Vietnam implements measures to control air quality

A national action plan on air quality control until 2020 with a vision to 2025, which aims to strictly monitor sources of exhaust fumes, especially industrial fumes, has been approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, according to Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Monday.

Under the plan, 80 percent of steel, chemical and fertilizer production establishments across the country will run national-standard systems to treat dust and exhaust fumes, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), and 90 percent of thermal power plants nationwide will install emission observation systems in the next four years.

The plan also aims at strengthening national capacity in controlling greenhouse gas emission, and contributing to realizing the country's commitment on reducing greenhouse gas emission.

To achieve the plan's goals, authorized agencies have been asked to quickly fine-tune policies related to air quality control, strengthen international cooperation, mobilize financial support and raise public awareness of air pollution, according to the plan.

Vietnam has set a target to reduce eight percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 with domestic resources, and would cut down an additional 25 percent with international supports. Endit