Experts discuss strategic approaches to energy transition in Vietnam
Lecturers, researchers, and policymakers in Hue focused on analysing the challenges Vietnam is facing due to climate change, particularly in the central region, which frequently suffers from extreme weather events such as storms, floods, droughts, and sea level rise.
Herve Conan, Director of AFD in Vietnam, speaks at the seminar (Photo: VNA)
Hue (VNA) - The French Institute in the central city of Hue, in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) in Vietnam, held a seminar on May 8 evening to discuss the context and challenges of climate change, as well as approaches to ecological and energy transition in Vietnam.
At the event, lecturers, researchers, and policymakers in Hue focused on analysing the challenges Vietnam is facing due to climate change, particularly in the central region, which frequently suffers from extreme weather events such as storms, floods, droughts, and sea level rise. These impacts not only affect people's livelihoods but also pose significant challenges to the sustainable development goals and national energy security.
They also discussed strategic approaches to transitioning toward an ecological and low-carbon development model, highlighting solutions such as the development of renewable energy, forest and biodiversity protection, and the crucial role of raising public awareness.
The seminar also emphasised the importance of official development assistance (ODA) from the French Government through the AFD, as a vital driver for environmental and climate adaptation projects. With its mission to support partner countries in responding to climate change, the AFD has been actively accompanying Vietnam in various initiatives, contributing to the realisation of the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Vietnam is among the countries which are the most vulnerable to climate change, as extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and landslides have caused severe consequences, directly impacting both people and the economy.
To adapt to climate change, Herve Conan, Director of AFD in Vietnam, stressed that localities need to prioritise urban planning and enhance public knowledge to proactively respond to such events.
To fulfill the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, a strong energy transition toward renewables is essential, along with investment in storage systems and energy infrasꦏtructure, he noted./.
Among the 30 countries analysed in the survey, 11 were identified as more exposed to climate risks from the macroeconomic perspective: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Over 25,000 residents in seven coastal provinces of Vietnam now benefit from storm- and flood-resistant homes, thanks to a climate resilience project running from 2017 to 2024.
Francophonie cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture, the Francophone community and the issue of food security, and sharing experiences on responding to climate change are the main topics of three discussion sessions within the framework of the Francophone Parliamentary Forum on sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate change adaptation, held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on January 21.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
