As Vietnam’s economy booms, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are experiencing unprecedented levels of air pollution. What does this mean for their residents, and how big of a role will renewable energy play in solving the deadly problem?

Author Archives: Michael Tatarski
Michael Tatarski is a journalist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He focuses on the environment, urban development and social issues. Find him on Twitter @miketatarski.
Southeast Asia Dispatches — Episode 14
This week, Adam Bemma takes a look at the political parties running in Thailand’s general election, Laura McDowell profiles Timor-Leste’s first blind radio broadcaster, PJ Thum interviews Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch about Indonesia’s internet law, and Michael Tatarski reflects upon covering the Trump-Kim Summit in Hanoi.
Southeast Asia Dispatches — Episode 13
This week, Kirsten Han invites us to lunch with Singapore’s Old Left, Mike Tatarski looks at the effects of Vietnam’s booming tourism industry, PJ Thum talks to Cambodian feminist Eng Chandy, and James Rose reflects upon efforts to clean up Thailand’s fishing industry.
A New Model for Ho Chi Minh City’s Sidewalks
Amid a resumed clearing campaign, some of Ho Chi Minh City’s sidewalk vendors have embraced changes. But questions remain over what might be lost if the city is turned into a “little Singapore”.
Backed by Banks, Vietnam Embraces Dirty Coal
A controversial coal-fired power plant in Vietnam, backed by international financing, is emblematic of the country’s environmentally destructive stance on energy generation.