Vehicles using gas and oil are one of the main factors causing air pollution in Hanoi. According to the Environment Protection Agency report in 2006, transport accounts for 70% of the pollution in the urban area of Vietnam. 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. 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.

Individual’s choice of transport mode play an important role in increasing the air quality and reduce the green house gas emission from commuting.

Daily trips to workplaces/ offices are a part of daily activities for many people in Hanoi. Reducing the emission from these commuting activities would result in a significant improvement for the air quality, saving cost for society and improving health quality for all. For every trip to work, by shifting from a 4 stroke motorbike to taking bus, you could reduce the emission of green house gas and toxics by 600 times.

Get to work differently during the week of 28th September - 2nd October 2009. Be a part of the solution to the climate change problem,  contribute to the health of our lives, our communities and our Earth!