Foreign Countries Pledge to Help Vietnam Cope with Climate Change

Many foreign nations have committed to assist Vietnam in dealing with impacts of climate change, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha. Ha made the statement after a Vietnamese delegation attended the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP16) in Mexico’s southeastern city of Cancun from Dec 8-10. Ha attributed that the Norwegian government pledged to fund $100 million for afforestation projects in Vietnam while the Japanese government will help the country reduce vehicle emission. Meanwhile, the U.S. proposed Vietnam to take part in a low carbon emission program in a bid to better respond to climate change that is showing clear signs in the Southeast Asian country. International community also spoke highly of Vietnam’s actions and initiatives to the COP16, he elaborated. He added that Vietnam and its partners had agreed to boost cooperation and share experiences in policy making and investment in green technology, effective land use and management, infrastructure development and natural resource preservation for sustainable development. Vietnam is listed among five hardest-hit countries by climate change. If sea level rises one meter, 5% of Vietnam’s land, 11% of its population and 7% of its agricultural land would be affected with the losses estimated at 10% of GDP. (Nong Thon Ngay Nay – Countryside Today Dec 15 p2, Dat Viet – National Land Dec 15 p2)