January 5th 2025.
As we look out onto West Lake, the sight is a grim one. Workers are seen sitting in a boat, surrounded by thick, polluted air in Hanoi on January 3, 2025. It's a scene that has become all too familiar for the nine million residents of this city, who are struggling to breathe in the toxic, putrid air. Unfortunately, Hanoi has now earned the title of the most polluted city in the world, a first in history. Following closely behind are Delhi in India, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
The levels of PM2.5, tiny particles that are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs and have been linked to cancer, have reached an alarming rate of 266 micrograms per cubic meter. This is the highest reading recorded on AirVisual, a global air pollution information app. However, in the last 48 hours, Hanoi has dropped to fourth place, although the situation remains dire. The city is now a permanent winter fixture, with skyscrapers shrouded in hazardous smog.
Authorities have advised people to wear masks and limit their time outdoors, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to do so. As 64-year-old Luu Minh Duc puts it, "The situation seems to be getting worse recently. As the elderly, we can feel it clearly when we suffer from respiratory problems that make it difficult to breathe." Even 21-year-old Nguyen Ninh Huong has noticed the impact of the pollution, saying, "At first, I thought it was just fog, but later I found out it's actually fine dust particles that reduce my vision and make me feel like it's not healthy to breathe."
This is not a new issue for Vietnam, as the country has been struggling with severe air pollution in its major cities for years. The cause of the thick smog in Hanoi is mainly attributed to heavy traffic, burning of trash, and industrial activities. In response to this crisis, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has called for an accelerated transition to electric vehicles in a meeting with the transport ministry on Thursday. The government aims for at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis to be electric vehicles by 2030.
As we continue to witness the harmful effects of air pollution, it is clear that immediate action must be taken to address this issue. The people of Hanoi, and all other cities facing similar challenges, deserve to breathe clean and safe air. Let us hope that the transition to electric vehicles will bring about positive change and pave the way for a healthier future.
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