Hanoi Declared World's Most Polluted City With PM2.5 at 266 Micrograms, Government Pushes for EVs by 2030

Jan 3, 2025, 09:06 AM

Hanoi has been declared the world's most polluted city, with hazardous levels of PM2.5 particles measured at 266 micrograms per cubic meter early on Friday, according to AirVisual. The Vietnamese capital has been enveloped in thick smog for recent weeks, attributed to heavy traffic, trash burning, and industrial activities. In response, the Vietnamese government has announced plans to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to combat the pollution problem. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has called for an accelerated transition to EVs, setting a target for at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis to be electric by 2030. The severe air quality is affecting residents, with reports of respiratory issues among the elderly and young people.