Application of science and technology in addressing urgent environmental issues of the capital

In his opening speech, Tran Sy Thanh, a member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi City People's Committee, acknowledged that Hanoi is facing numerous environmental challenges, such as air pollution, water pollution, and waste management from factories, industrial zones, craft villages, and household waste. These challenges were also emphasized by Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, a member of the Party Central Committee and President of VAST, in his keynote speech. He pointed out that these issues are common in many cities worldwide, particularly those experiencing rapid urbanization, industrialization, and modernization like Hanoi. He stressed the necessity of strong involvement from science and technology, especially by applying internationally tested and proven solutions.

Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh, President of VAST, made a speech at the conference

During his speech, Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh proposed that the conference focus on three key issues: identifying environmental pollution problems (especially air pollution) and their specific sources, discussing scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, particularly drawing from international experiences, and outlining concrete tasks, solutions, and roadmaps for tackling Hanoi’s environmental challenges. These efforts aim to achieve the environmental protection goals set out in the Hanoi Capital Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. The conference’s leadership also included Prof. Dr. Sc. Mai Trong Nhuan, former Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Nguyen Trong Dong, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi City People's Committee.

The overview of the conference. Photo by Van Nga

The conference received numerous important reports and insights from experts both domestically and internationally. Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, proposed developing an automated air quality monitoring network to track and control emission sources. Dr. Zbigniew Klimont, an expert from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), shared Beijing’s experience in controlling traffic and industrial emissions to improve air quality. Prof. Dr. Kiwao Kadokami from Kitakyushu University, Japan, introduced sustainable urban environmental management models, emphasizing waste recycling technologies and renewable energy utilization. Notably, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, presented advanced solutions and compared their applications in Hanoi and other major cities worldwide, such as Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), and New York (USA). He highlighted the need for Hanoi to implement comprehensive solutions that integrate science and technology with appropriate policies for tackling pollution in air, soil, and water. Additionally, his report introduced several technologies being researched at the Academy, such as an AI and big data-based air monitoring system, biological agents for wastewater treatment, circular economy-based waste recycling, and pollution treatment using advanced materials. These technologies have already been piloted in some areas and need to be expanded for greater effectiveness.

Presenting report at the conference. Photo by Van Nga

The conference concluded by identifying four major environmental issues, eight primary causes, and the fact that Hanoi continues to face four major challenges but also has eight opportunities to address its urgent environmental concerns. Based on these insights, 11 key solutions were proposed, emphasizing the need to enhance the environmental monitoring system, apply advanced pollution treatment technologies, promote circular economy models, and strengthen international cooperation to access cutting-edge technologies.

In his closing remarks, Tran Sy Thanh affirmed that Hanoi would work closely with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and other research institutions to implement the proposed solutions, with a particular focus on pressing issues such as air pollution and solid waste management. The conference concluded with the expectation that it would pave the way for a new approach to environmental protection in Hanoi, contributing to the construction of a “Civilized - Modern - Culturally Rich” capital.

Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese version