What is Green Transport?
Green Transport is a category of sustainable transport which limits the release of CO2 and other air toxics.
Modes of transport using human power, animal power and renewable energy are considered green transport because they tend not to release a large quantity of CO2. Green transport includes walking, cycling, using other types of human-powered transport, and green vehicles such as solar-powered or wind-powered vehicles.
Public transport such as traditional diesel buses use less fuel per passenger than private vehicles so it is also considered green transport. Of course public buses could be greener by using alternative energy sources, such as solar power.
In the context of Hanoi, we encourage you to walk, cycle or take buses. By doing so, you are part of the Green Transport Movement.
Why do we need Green Transport Day?
Vehicles using gas and oil are one of the main factors causing air pollution in Hanoi. As the population of Hanoi steadily grows, so does the use of these vehicles and the output of dangerous air pollutants such as air toxics and greenhouse gases.
Air toxics are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health and environmental problems. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global climate change.
Green Transport Day encourages the use of clean, alternative modes of transport that limit the emission of CO2 and other air toxics. When you take part in Green Transport Day, you will contribute to the health of our lives, our communities and our Earth.
Green Transport Day-May 16
Green Transport Day is scheduled on May 16 to mark a day when residents of Hanoi take action to raise public awareness on emission caused by vehicles. On that day we encourage people to reduce air pollution by not using cars or motobikes. If you must use cars or motorbikes on May 16, please do what you can to minimize the energy used and distance travelled.
The next Green Transport Day will be May 15, 2009.
Green Transport Movement
Green Transport Day is part of the Green Transport Movement, which urges residents of Hanoi to use green transport every day or whenever possible. Green Transport Movement also aims at advocating for policies that support green transport.
In the future the movement will bring together residents of Hanoi on various campaigns:
- Campaign to replace old public buses and to introduce efficient, clean buses
- Campaign to increase bus routes and bus frequency and to improve the quality of bus service
- Campaign to return the sidewalks to pedestrians
- Campaign to keep sidewalks clean
