Minister stresses importance of tackling climate change
Vietnam will focus on adapting to the impact of climate change and reducing losses caused by natural disasters from now till 2020.
Many shrimp farms in Thanh Hai Commune, Thanh Phu District in southern Ben Tre Province became dry because of unusual drought. — VNA/VNS Photo Duy Khuong
This statement was made by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Nguyen Quang Vinh.
Vinh had said on a TV programme "People Ask, Ministers Answer" yesterday that the country would give priority to the adoption of measures during this period and in the following three decades when it mobilises more resources, and would also use more responsive measures.
"Climate change should be seen as both a challenge and opportunity for us to change the economic growth model," he said.
For example, coastal provinces that suffer from a salt intrusion could shift from growing rice to other crops suitable to the condition.
During the next five years, the country would particularly make efforts to grow mangrove forests that play an important role in climate change response.
He said economic activities had seriously narrowed the mangrove forest cover during the past. Vietnam is one of the five countries in the world that will be most vulnerable to climate change impact.
It is expected that in 2100, the country's average temperature will be two to three degrees Celsius higher than the temperatures seen during 1980 to 1999. Seawater levels will rise by one metre, which could possibly submerge 39 per cent of the Mekong River Delta in Viet Nam, 20 per cent of HCM City and 10 per cent of the Hong (Red) River Delta.
Therefore, the National Steering Committee for Climate Change Response was developing strategies, action plans and national programmes in response and mitigating the impact of climate change.
The Prime Minister had also called for joint efforts from people, ministries, sectors, enterprises and international partners to adapt and respond to climate change impact, Vinh said.
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