U.S. Mission in Hanoi Holds Panel to Raise Awareness on Air Quality

The U.S. Mission in Vietnam hosted an Expert Panel Session on April 26 at the American Center in Hanoi on the occasion of the Air Quality Awareness Week from April 29 to May 3. Delivering the opening remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink expressed the U.S. willingness to work with Vietnam to improve the air quality through sharing experiences. The U.S. diplomat stressed that air pollution has become a major threat globally and is the cause of over 6.9 million deaths worldwide annually. The U.S. has its lesson and is willing to share it with Vietnam, Ambassador Kritenbrink added. Michael Shell, economist with the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also delivered a presentation at the event. Mr. Shell shared the fact that many are using motorbikes in Vietnam and this is among the significant causes of air pollution. The American expert recalled that there had been several proposals about banning motorcycles in urban areas in Vietnam. However, Mr. Shell warned that if Vietnamese switched to automobiles, there would be more pressure on the environment, and suggested more focus on public transport. Besides, he criticized the impacts of coal-fired electricity. (Dan Tri, viettimes.vn, dantri.com.vn, nld.com.vn, kinhtedothi.vn)