The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) forum on climate change adaptation will take place in Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh on Sept 6-7, the Vietnam Environment Administration said on its website Aug 31. The event, chaired by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, will draw the participation of delegates from 45 ASEM member countries and some foreign organizations. The forum will focus on evaluating the impacts of climate change, its vulnerability and adaptation, the challenges to low carbon economy and ASEM cooperation in the issues, the administration added. The delegates also give out policies and initiatives to boost cooperation among ASEM countries in climate change adaptation. This is a good chance for the participants to exchange experiences in mitigating and coping with climate change via current networks and relations. Vietnam, Denmark, the U.K., Indonesia, European Commission (EC) initiated the organization of the forum at the 9th ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting in Hanoi last year. Vietnam is listed among five hardest-hit countries by climate change. If sea level rises one meter, 5% of the country’s land, 11% of its population and 7% of its agricultural land would be affected with the loss estimated at 10% of GDP. (nea.gov.vn Aug 31, Dat Viet – National Land Aug 31 p8)
