Hanoi utilizes technology to tackle pressing environmental challenges: Mayor

The Hanoi Times — Finding effective solutions to pressing environmental concerns is a top priority for Hanoi, with science and technology becoming increasingly important.

Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, made the statement at the workshop titled “Current Situation and Solutions for Addressing Urgent Issues in Hanoi’s Environmental Protection” held in the capital city this morning [March 14].

He stressed that the Vietnamese Government has issued important policies to promote sustainable urban development. "The most recent is the Decision on Hanoi's Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050; and the Decision on the Adjustment of Hanoi's Master Plan to 2045, with a vision to 2065. Both of which attach importance to the role of science, technology and innovation in environmental protection," said Thanh.

According to the chairman, the revised Capital Law 2024 outlines several key tasks aimed at establishing low-emission zones across the city. “Environmental issues are placed at the top of the list of the city's most important and urgent tasks to be solved in 2025-2030."

Hanoi is focusing on technology to treat wastewater and clean rivers. The city is urgently seeking solutions to replenish water for the dying To Lich River. It is also piloting the modernization of waste collection and classification at source in five downtown districts. However, the environmental quality in the capital has fallen short of expectations, especially air quality, Thanh said.

He called on experts, scientists, organizations, and enterprises to join hands to come up with many creative ideas and feasible solutions for the rapid improvement of Hanoi's environmental quality.

Cleaning up for a greener city

Speaking at the workshop, Professor Chau Van Minh, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said that Hanoi, like many large cities in the world, in the process of development, has to face many serious environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, domestic waste, solid waste, among others.

“The above problems not only affect the quality of life and public health, but also have the potential to reduce Hanoi's ability to attract investment as well as the sustainable development of the capital. With the above situation of Hanoi's environment, finding effective solutions to solve urgent environmental problems is a top priority," Minh said.

He emphasized that in the face of environmental challenges, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology is always ready to assist Hanoi in applying scientific and technological solutions to solve urgent environmental problems.

Minh said the academy has transferred several technologies to Hanoi, including solid waste and wastewater treatment, mercury pollution control, air quality management software, and leachate treatment at the Nam Son landfill.

Valuable international lessons

Many experts and managers at the workshop proposed remarkable solutions for Hanoi's environmental protection. Professor Kiwao Kadokami from Kitakyushu University (Japan) presented a paper on "Experience in managing and protecting the urban environment in Kitakyushu City, Japan."

The paper outlined initiatives such as international environmental cooperation, waste recycling through the Eco-Town project, and sustainable community development. These initiatives have made a significant contribution to solving pollution problems in Kitakyushu. In 2025, the city will make a breakthrough toward the goal of zero carbon emissions.

A notable highlight in the solution to environmental pollution that Kitakyushu City has implemented is the “Kitakyushu method”. This is a method of coordination between the government and businesses in solving pollution and is the foundation for the integrated path of economic and environmental development, according to Professor Kiwao Kadokami.

"In addition, the pollution control measures implemented by companies in Kitakyushu do not stop at treating exhaust gas before it leaves the smokestack, but focus on improving the production process by using less polluting production technology. This technology helps improve the environment and brings economic benefits by increasing productivity," he said.

Professor Kiwao Kadokami noted that pollution control through technological innovation can go hand in hand with economic development. “We need to disseminate best models to the world and promote international cooperation to protect the global environment. In particular, to develop sustainability, it is important to pass on the experience, technology and knowledge gained to the next generations.”

Nguyen Viet Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), told The Hanoi Times that there are many urban development models with their own advantages, depending on the economic, social, and environmental conditions, as well as the size and development needs of each city. He said that Hanoi should learn from international experience in environmental pollution treatment that is suitable for the city.

"In Hanoi's conditions, integrating with the transit-oriented development (TOD) model, we recommend applying the water-oriented development (WOD) or water-sensitive development (WSD) model," said the VWSA vice president.

Hanoi's effort in "Bright-Green-Clean-Beautiful" campaign 

Chairman Tran Sy Thanh once again called on citizens, organizations, and businesses to join efforts in protecting the environment and making Hanoi a more livable city during the launch of the "Bright - Green - Clean - Beautiful" movement, emphasizing that it should become a part of daily life.

“This is not a campaign limited to weeks or months; it must continue every day, every hour,” said Thanh. “Every small action, such as protecting trees or reducing plastic usage, will positively impact environmental protection. If these habits become a way of life and a cultural trait of residents, together we will create a cleaner, friendlier, and more sustainable capital.”

The chairman highlighted a report from the Hoan Kiem district, noting its adoption of modern, mechanized methods for waste collection and transportation. All households in the district’s 18 wards have embraced domestic waste recycling, and environmental cleanliness around Hoan Kiem Lake has been maintained.

The Hanoi Urban Environment Company Limited (Urenco) has also focused on investing in new equipment, such as composite bins and garbage trucks, to reduce odors and leachate during waste collection and transportation.

Unlike traditional garbage trucks, composite bins have a larger capacity, allowing them to hold more waste. This reduces the frequency of collection, optimizes human resources, and saves transportation time. Their sealed, waterproof design prevents leachate from leaking, minimizing environmental pollution and enhancing the urban landscape.

The innovation in waste collection vehicles is a key step toward ensuring environmental sanitation and promoting a clean, civilized, and sustainable urban environment. The aim is for each household in the city to change behaviors and raise awareness, proactively sorting waste at the source, reducing pollution, reusing resources, and preserving water resources and air quality—ultimately contributing to the development of Hanoi’s urban landscapes.