Hanoi’s Air Pollution: Trucks and Traffic Congestion

Anh Minh, a seasoned truck driver on Truong Chinh Street in Hanoi, sighs with exasperation as he watches the dense traffic spewing black smoke. “The roads used to be clear, the air fresh. Now it’s crowded with vehicles, all I see is dust and smoke, it’s suffocating.” – He shares. Anh Minh’s story echoes the concerns of many living and working in major cities, where heavy traffic and air pollution are pressing issues.

Trucks and Cars: A Double-Edged Sword

The crucial role of automobiles in modern life is undeniable. They are the primary means of transporting goods, connecting provinces, and driving economic development. However, the rapid increase in personal vehicles, especially cars and trucks, brings with it the consequence of environmental pollution.

The Negative Impact of Vehicles on the Environment

• Harmful Emissions: Cars and trucks, particularly those using diesel engines, emit large amounts of harmful gases such as CO, NOx, SO2, and fine dust PM2.5. These emissions severely impact human health, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.
• Climate Change: CO2 emissions from traffic are a major contributor to the greenhouse effect, leading to global climate change with unpredictable consequences.
• Noise Pollution: Noise from engines and horns, especially on busy roads, significantly affects the quality of life for residents, causing stress, anxiety, and even insomnia.