A series of international scientists participated in the discussion on urban air pollution

The seminar “Air pollution and traffic: Opportunities and challenges for Vietnam and the world” took place on December 5 in Hanoi to find solutions for air pollution and green traffic.

The event brings together leading scientists such as Professor Yafang Cheng from the Max Planck Institute of Chemistry (Germany), Professor Daniel Kammen from the University of California, Berkeley (USA) and Associate Professor Ho Quoc Bang from the National University Ho Chi Minh City. These experts exchange ideas about air pollution and traffic, in a discussion session chaired by Professor Susan Solomon from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA).

Before the event, Professor Susan Solomon emphasized that this is an opportunity for experts from Vietnam and internationally to exchange ideas. “Just looking at the transportation system in Hanoi, we can immediately see the significant contributions of the seminar to the problem of air pollution,” she said.

At the seminar, Associate Professor Ho Quoc Bang will comprehensively assess the current situation of air pollution in large cities in Vietnam. He has consulted for many international organizations such as Clean Air Asia, World Bank and USAID.

Mr. Bang shared that the research team has carried out many projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on inventorying emissions from different sources, including traffic. Recently, the group evaluated the environmental benefits of switching from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles.

Professor Yafang Cheng researches the factors causing urban air pollution. She said she discovered two important mechanisms affecting urban air pollution: the interaction between NOx gas and sulfate formation in high humidity conditions, and the impact of soot on the development of atmospheric boundary layer.

Professor Cheng’s research shows that when soot concentration exceeds a critical threshold, it can prevent the development of the atmospheric boundary layer that operates during the day. This phenomenon leads to severe air pollution episodes in high humidity conditions.

In addition, Professor Daniel Kammen will highlight progress in the electrification of vehicles. “We are seeing great progress in the electrification of transportation. China has surpassed the 22 million electric vehicle mark. Recent research from the University of California recorded about a 2% improvement in air quality in the San Francisco Bay area thanks to electric vehicles,” he said.

Mr. Kammen also said that many cities have successfully converted their taxi fleets to electric vehicles, proving the feasibility of large-scale conversion and opening up the prospect of applying a similar model in other cities.

Regarding finance, the professor highlighted the role of international support in promoting green transition in developing countries. He cited Kenya as having 50 companies producing electric two-wheeled vehicles thanks to initiatives such as Net Zero World. Senegal and Nigeria also received similar support.

Mr. Kammen also affirmed the importance of combining technology with appropriate policies. Experience from the electric vehicle support program in the US through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the funding model of the China State Grid Company provide valuable lessons for Vietnam.

The seminar “Air pollution and traffic: Opportunities and challenges for Vietnam and the world” is one of a series of 4 scientific seminars within the VinFuture Awards Week 2024. In addition to this seminar, the VinFuture Foundation organizes More seminars with topics: Materials for a sustainable future (December 4), Deploying AI in practice (December 4) and Innovations in cardiovascular health care and stroke treatment (December 5).