Page 214 - AJWEP-v22i3

Hung and Nghiem

Our results also demonstrated that policy and potential resources for implementation. Most
interventions can effectively reduce pollution even in importantly, the health and well-being of millions
rapidly developing contexts. This finding, combined of Vietnamese urban residents depend on the policy
with international experience from countries, such as choices made in the coming years.
China that achieved dramatic air quality improvements The transition to sustainable urban development
through determined policy implementation, suggested will require sustained political commitment, substantial
that Vietnam can successfully address its air quality financial resources, and effective institutional
challenges with sufficient political commitment and coordination. However, the alternative – continued
appropriate policy design. deterioration of urban air quality with mounting health
The policy implications extend beyond pollution and economic costs – represents a far more challenging
control to encompass comprehensive urban development long-term scenario. By acting decisively now, Vietnam
strategies. Sustainable urban planning that promotes can achieve the dual objectives of economic development
compact, transit-oriented development; transportation and environmental protection, creating healthier and
systems that reduce vehicle dependence; industrial more prosperous cities for future generations.
policies that minimize emissions; and healthcare
systems adapted to protect vulnerable populations all Acknowledgments
represent essential components of an effective response.
Critically, addressing air pollution provides None.
substantial co-benefits for climate change mitigation, as
many pollution sources also generate greenhouse gases. Funding
This alignment enables Vietnam to pursue local air
quality improvements and global climate commitments The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial
simultaneously, potentially unlocking additional support from the Banking Academy of Vietnam.
resources and international support for environmental
improvements. Conflict of interest
Our findings also contribute to the broader global
understanding of urbanization-environment-health The authors declare they have no competing interests
relationships in developing countries. The quantitative
estimates of these relationships in Vietnam’s context Author contributions
provide valuable benchmarks for policy evaluation and
international comparisons, while our methodological Conceptualization: All authors
approach demonstrates how causal inference techniques Formal analysis: All authors
can generate more robust evidence for policy design. Investigation: All authors
International experience demonstrates that this Methodology: Bui Duy Hung
challenge is surmountable. Countries from the Writing – original draft: All authors
United Kingdom to Japan and China have successfully Writing – review & editing: All authors
reduced urban air pollution while maintaining economic
growth, though the health and economic costs of delayed Availability of data
action proved substantial. Vietnam has the opportunity
to learn from these experiences and implement effective Data are available from the corresponding author upon
policies earlier in its development process, potentially reasonable request.
avoiding the severe pollution episodes that other
countries experienced. References
In conclusion, our analysis provided clear evidence
that Vietnam faces a critical choice in managing its 1. Wang Q, Kwan MP, Zhou K, Fan J, Wang Y, Zhan D. The
urban development trajectory. The causal pathways impacts of urbanization on fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
concentrations: Empirical evidence from 135 countries
from urbanization through pollution to health impacts worldwide. Environ Pollut. 2019;247:989-998.
are well-established and quantitatively significant. The doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.086
effectiveness of policy interventions is demonstrated 2. Zhan C, Xie M, Lu H, et al. Impacts of urbanization on air
but requires substantial scaling up. The co-benefits quality and the related health risks in a city with complex
with climate action provide additional motivation terrain. Atmos Chem Phys. 2023;23(1):771-786.

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 208 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025130088