Researchers and entrepreneurs were matched in the ‘Việt Nam Challenge for Our Environment’ launched Friday by the US Embassy in Hà Nội to devise innovative solutions for addressing environmental issues.

A community clean-up event to mark Earth Day brought together more than 2,000 volunteers from associations, organisations and universities besides local residents, who picked up garbage at 12 locations in HCM City yesterday.

Nothing else will work. More than a year after a hefty increase in fines for littering violations, there has been no appreciable improvement in the situation, not a dent in the magnitude of change that is needed. We can no longer afford to accept inane, comforting messages that say small actions make a big difference. We need big actions that make a huge difference!