The Vietnamese capital Hanoi topped the list of the world’s most polluted city on Friday, according to daily weather data.
As Hanoi begins 2025, its air quality paints a grim picture. On January 3, Vietnam’s capital topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, according to AirVisual, a global air quality data provider. The concentration of hazardous PM2.5 particles reached alarming levels of 266 micrograms per cubic meter—13.2 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 309 in some areas, turning the map brown and marking the air as “unhealthy.”
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For the residents of Hanoi, this is more than just data. The choking smog has become a part of daily life, forcing people to wear masks outdoors and keep windows tightly shut. “We, the elderly, feel it very clearly,” said Luu Minh Duc, a 64-year-old resident. “Respiratory problems make breathing difficult. The situation seems to have worsened recently.”
The Causes Behind the Crisis
Hanoi’s pollution is a multifaceted problem. Heavy traffic, rampant trash burning, and unregulated industrial activities have long plagued the city. As one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies and a regional manufacturing hub, Vietnam’s rapid urbanization has come at a cost.
“Initially, I thought it was just fog,” said Nguyen Ninh Huong, a 21-year-old student. “But I realized it was fine dust that reduces visibility and makes it feel unhealthy to breathe.”
While the city’s industrial boom has fueled economic growth, it has also exacerbated environmental challenges. The thick smog blanketing Hanoi isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a warning sign of deeper issues that demand immediate attention.
Beyond the statistics, the human impact of Hanoi’s pollution is profound. Elderly residents report worsening respiratory issues, while young people like Huong express growing concerns about long-term health effects. The smog disrupts daily routines, restricts outdoor activities, and creates a sense of unease about the city’s future.
The WHO identifies air pollution as a leading risk factor for premature death, and the numbers are sobering. While Hanoi’s leaders push for systemic changes, residents are left grappling with an immediate question: How can they protect themselves in the meantime?
Moving Beyond Targets: The Need for Comprehensive Action
In response to the crisis, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has called for urgent action, emphasizing the need to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As part of this initiative, Hanoi aims to electrify 50% of its buses and 100% of its taxis by 2030.
The transition to EVs is seen as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to combat air pollution. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, from building the necessary infrastructure to ensuring affordability and accessibility for the masses.
Though the government’s EV targets are ambitious, experts warn that they must be part of a broader, integrated strategy. Addressing Hanoi’s pollution crisis requires stricter regulations on industrial emissions, improved waste management, and enhanced public transportation networks. Public awareness campaigns and incentives for greener practices could also play a vital role in driving sustainable change.
As Hanoi struggles under a pall of smog, its plight serves as a wake-up call for cities across the globe grappling with similar issues. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Reducing pollution isn’t just about meeting air quality targets—it’s about safeguarding public health and ensuring a livable future.
Lead image courtesy of REUTERS (The thick smog in Hanoi is mostly caused by heavy traffic, trash burning and industrial activities)
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