Vietnam is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change

On March 23 in Hoa Binh, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the People's Committee of Hoa Binh province held an event to celebrate World Water Day - World Meteorological Day and Earth Hour Campaign 2023.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said, "Climate change is considered a serious challenge for humanity in the 21^st century with negative impacts that threaten sustainable development activities."

The World Meteorological Organization's global climate reports show changes in the climate system over the years. Indicators of greenhouse gas concentrations, surface temperature, ocean heat, ocean acidification, ice melt, and rising sea level are all at record highs at the time of observation.

Climate change is causing more extreme weather and climate events, prolonged heat waves with greater intensity, greater rainfall, and more severe droughts. According to the United Nations, water resources are a fundamental part of all aspects of life. Water resources closely link with social, cultural, economic, and political values because of their impacts on climate, energy, environment, and food security. Water resources are the most important factor in achieving sustainable development goals, including those in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"The theme of World Water Day is “Promoting Change”; World Meteorological Day: "Information on weather, climate, and water resources contributes to sustainable socio-economic development for today and in the future", Earth Hour 2023 campaign: "Critical moment for Earth". These events are closely linked with each other in aspects of environment - resources - ecology. Weather, climate, and the water cycle do not differentiate national boundaries.

"These messages emphasize that it's time for us to change in order to ensure the global goals of weather, climate, water resources, and climate change. We must call on the entire community to cooperate in action, demonstrate our roles and responsibilities in the face of natural disasters and climate change. We can make a difference by changing the way we use and manage water in daily life while also minimizing the impact of environmental degradation,” said Deputy Minister Vo Tuan Nhan.

According to the report “Climate change 2022: Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability” by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Vietnam is in the group of "Most Vulnerable Countries" and thus needs to promote adaptive solutions as soon as possible. 

Aiming to well solve the existing challenges, in the field of water resources, Vietnam is actively developing and completing the revised Law on Water Resources; publicizing the National Water Resource Master Plan for the 2021 - 2030 period, vision to 2050 and the General planning of river basins in the 2021 - 2030 period, vision to 2050.

In the field of hydrometeorology, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment actively implements the Planning on the national hydrometeorological station network in the 2021-2030 period, vision to 2050, delivering detailed meteorological and hydrological forecasts to the district level. The sector also provides timely forecasts and warnings about dangerous weather phenomena to serve the directives on disaster prevention and mitigation.

As for the field of climate change, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment promulgates the National Plan to adapt to climate change by 2050, focusing on priority solutions for areas that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

"March 23 this year holds a special meaning, marking the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the forerunner of the World Meteorological Organization - WMO. At the same time, it is also a milestone to celebrate the 5^th anniversary of the establishment and re-establishment of the Meteorological and Hydrological Administration." 

"The hydrometeorology industry will together share the meaningful moment today and create a widespread effect through a series of activities to reduce the risks of natural disasters and respond to the impact of climate change. This is to achieve net zero emissions and realize Vietnam's aspiration, "said Mr. Tran Hong Thai, Director General of the Meteorological and Hydrological Administration.

"As a mountainous province in the North forecasted to be strongly affected by climate change, Hoa Binh clearly sees the importance of weather and climate. The authorities and people of Hoa Binh province are always ready for smart responses to climate change. Heeding the call of the Earth Hour Campaign, the People's Committee of Hoa Binh Province has issued a document directing departments, agencies, provincial mass organizations, and People's Committees of districts and cities to implement and organize many activities in response to the meaningful messages," Vice Chairman of Hoa Binh People's Committee Quach Tat Liem said.