Desertification is emerging as a critical challenge in Vietnam, with nearly 12 million hectares of land experiencing degradation.

With motorcycles contributing up to 90% of CO and HC emissions from motor vehicles, nationwide emission inspections are necessary to address pollution and protect public health.

Hai Duong Province has terminated a $45 million waste-to-energy project due to unresolved land clearance issues, despite its potential to improve regional waste management.

In the current environment filled with smoke, dust, and pollution, more and more people in major cities are contracting sinusitis.

A new proposal suggests emissions testing for motorbikes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from 2027, targeting older vehicles and gradually scaling nationwide.

With over 8 million motor vehicles contributing to dangerous pollution levels, Hanoi will implement low-emission zones and encourage the use of clean transport.

Hanoi’s air pollution has reached dangerous levels, with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeding safe limits, posing significant health risks for residents.

For over two months, landslide cleanup operations in Yen Bai City have caused significant dust pollution and road safety concerns, prompting authorities to accelerate efforts for completion by year-end.

While Ho Chi Minh City schools excel in handwashing facilities, air quality remains a major concern, with only 28% meeting required CO2 standards.

Nha Trang’s iconic beaches have been overwhelmed by trash brought ashore by waves following prolonged rains. Workers and locals are racing to clean up the shoreline as thousands of tons of debris continue to wash in.

Starting January 2025, motorcycles over 5 years old will be subject to emissions testing, with inspections becoming more frequent for older vehicles. The move is part of Vietnam’s broader efforts to curb air pollution in urban areas.

According to Decision No 1539/QD-TTg, the project aims to effectively manage and protect marine, coastal and island ecosystems, increase the area of marine protected zones and contribute to biodiversity conservation.

As part of a citywide pollution reduction effort, Hanoi will ban high-emission vehicles in selected districts and support residents in transitioning to clean energy transport.

With its wetlands under threat, Tram Chim National Park will soon welcome red-crowned cranes from Thailand as part of a long-term conservation effort by Dong Thap Province.

The Mekong Delta is expected to experience unusually high saltwater intrusion during the upcoming dry season, albeit less severe than in 2023-24, 2015-16 and 2019-20.

The Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap on December 12 launched a project to preserve and develop red-headed crane (scientifically known as Grus antigone sharpie) population in Tram Chim National Park.

Proposals for fees and charges for pollution-emitting vehicles travelling in low-emission zones are expected to be imposed too.

The Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Finnish Embassy in Vietnam organised a workshop to exchange experiences in groundwater management in Hanoi on December 11.

Hanoi has reduced the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment System budget by over VND 5 trillion, citing updated valuations and a revised project timeline.