Green Transition: The Inevitable Path to a “Blue Sky”

The recent conference, “Jointly Protecting the Blue Sky – Challenges and Solutions,” organized by the For a Green Future Fund (under Vingroup Corporation), became a prominent forum, bringing together leading experts from Vietnam and abroad to dissect the issue of air pollution in Vietnam. The core message was clear: “The green transition is no longer a choice; it is an imperative.”

The Alarming Reality: “Air Pollution as a Silent Killer”

Air pollution has become one of the most serious challenges for urban areas in Vietnam. According to the warnings of Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho, Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Strategy and Policy, the concentration of fine dust particles, PM2.5, in Hanoi is often five times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation. This situation not only causes serious health consequences but also results in massive economic losses. Dr. Tho estimates that without decisive solutions, economic damage from air pollution could account for up to 5% of the country’s GDP annually.

Experts agree that the main sources of pollution are motor vehicle traffic, industry, construction, and the burning of agricultural waste. Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Partnership, emphasized that the PM2.5 levels in major cities have not decreased but have trended upward over the past 10 years, demanding more robust and decisive actions.

International Expert Insights: Lessons from Around the World

The seminar provided valuable perspectives from international experts, particularly the successful experience of Norway—a leading country in the development of green transportation.

Ms. Hilde Solbakken, the Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, shared that although transportation accounts for nearly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, Norway has achieved an electric vehicle adoption rate of up to 97% thanks to strong incentive policies. This demonstrates the decisive role of the government in creating a favorable environment for change.

Mr. David Payne, International Program Management Expert at UNDP Vietnam, affirmed that international cooperation is key to solving the problem. The UNDP and WHO are supporting Vietnam in developing an air quality management plan while promoting initiatives in renewable energy, low-emission agriculture, and sustainable transportation. He stressed the importance of “staying one step ahead to respond to existing risks.”

Solutions and Orientations: A Comprehensive Transition for a Sustainable Future

Vietnamese experts have proposed specific solutions, focusing on three main directions: transitioning to non-fossil fuels, increasing energy efficiency, and developing the electric vehicle market.

Associate Professor Dr. Dam Hoang Phuc of the Hanoi University of Science and Technology proposed a comprehensive strategy based on four pillars: comprehensive electrification (ending the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles before 2035), developing low-emission fuels, shifting transportation methods (prioritizing public transport), and changing consumer behavior.

Dr. Hoang Duong Tung specifically highlighted the role of digital transformation in supporting the green transition, through the application of sensor technology and artificial intelligence to monitor air quality.

From a business perspective, Mr. Vo Le Duy Duc, Energy Business Director at VinEnergo, demonstrated that investing in renewable energy not only brings environmental benefits but also creates sustainable economic value.

A Multi-faceted View from Other Industry Experts

To gain a more comprehensive perspective, it is important to consider the opinions of other experts on related aspects:

• Dr. Vu Ngoc Cuong (climate change expert) argued that in addition to technical solutions, the implementation of green financial policies such as carbon taxes and green bonds is extremely important. These policies will create economic incentives for businesses and individuals to proactively transition, while also helping Vietnam mobilize capital for green projects.
• A public transport expert from Germany, Mr. Michael Schmidt, shared that developing an efficient and synchronized public transport system is essential to reducing reliance on personal vehicles. He proposed that Vietnam should prioritize investment in the Metro and electric buses, combined with the creation of Low-Emission Zones to restrict older, polluting vehicles.
• Dr. Le Thi Bich Thuy, a consumer behavior expert, noted that the success of the green transition largely depends on changing community awareness. Communication campaigns like Vingroup’s “Green Wednesday” are necessary to raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles, from using eco-friendly transportation to reducing plastic waste and conserving energy.

These opinions all confirm that addressing air pollution and climate change cannot rely on a single solution but requires a comprehensive, synchronized strategy from government policies, business efforts, international cooperation, and the behavioral change of every individual.

According to vneconomy.vn