According to scientists’ statistics, fine dust particles are difficult to see but have contributed to increased mortality rates, estimated to cause 9 million deaths globally in 2019.
The information was stated in the seminar “Science for Life” with the topic “Air pollution and traffic: Opportunities and challenges for Vietnam and the world” held on the morning of December 5 in Hanoi. The seminar is part of the series of activities of the Science and Technology Week of VinFuture Foundation 2024.
According to Professor Yafang Cheng, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Research, Germany, aerosols are formed from fine dust particles that are difficult to see but have contributed to increased mortality rates, estimated to cause 9 million deaths worldwide. demand in 2019. Compared to the Covid-19 pandemic, “the air pollution crisis is even more serious when the number of deaths due to dust is much higher,” she said.
Professor Yafang Cheng presented a paper at the event on the morning of December 5. Image: Viet Hung
Professor Cheng emphasized that aerosol particles generated from transportation, industrial production, and photochemical reactions in the air have increased the accumulation of these particles in the atmosphere. In winter, when the temperature is low, aerosol particles cause fog. That directly affects human health.
Associate Professor Ho Quoc Bang, Ho Chi Minh City National University, said that in large cities of Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, transportation is the main cause, contributing 74% of PM2.5 fine dust, along with other gases. such as NOx, CO, and SO2.
In Hanoi, with about 8.5 million people (2022 statistics), more than 6 million motorbikes and 690,000 cars, and about 2,000 factories. Emission inventory using the emisen model in Hanoi shows that transportation has the largest proportion of emissions, while industrial production accounts for 39%.
Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City’s traffic is also a significant source of aerosol emissions. Besides, biomass burning activities, industrial production and marine transportation also contribute significantly, Associate Professor Bang said.
Associate Professor Ho Quoc Bang in the discussion session on the morning of December 5. Image: Viet Hung
At the discussion, scientists proposed many solutions to reduce air pollution. Professor Daniel Kammen, University of California, Berkeley, believes that converting to green transportation, especially using electric vehicles, reducing dependence on vehicles using fossil fuels is one of the most effective solutions. However, he also emphasized the need to strengthen electric charging infrastructure, support old car conversion policies, and encourage the production of electric vehicles at reasonable costs for people to easily access.
In addition, scientists also point out that to solve the problem of air pollution, it is necessary to develop advanced tools, build monitoring networks, automatic observations, use satellite equipment and apply technology. Artificial intelligence monitors air quality on Earth.
Talking on the sidelines of the event, Associate Professor Ho Quoc Bang proposed that with limited funding, Vietnam can completely build inexpensive monitoring stations, then combine with artificial intelligence to support warnings, Air quality forecast for people. At the same time, build an emission map as a scientific basis for localities to have appropriate environmental policies.
Professor Yafang Cheng believes that improving technology and adopting new technology creates clean, green energy that everyone can afford and in the long run does not harm the environment.