Opportunities, challenges on pathway to Net Zero: experts
Vietnam’s commitment to net zero emissions (Net Zero) by 2050 at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) is a milestone for the development of a green economy in the country.
The active participation of the business community, especially the private sector and consumers, will also promote the creation of a wave of green economic development and build a sustainable foundation for green growth. (Source: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn)
HCM City (VNA) – Vietnam’s commitment t𝓡o netzero emissions (Net Zero) by 2050 at the 2021 United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP26) is a milestone for the development of a green economy in thecountry.
However, on the pathway to Net Zero, there are not onlyopportunities but also challenges for both the nation and businesses, expertsshared on August 18 at the Green Economy Forum 2023, held by the Saigon Timesgroup in Ho Chi Minh City. At the forum themed “Net Zero – Pathway Toward Sustainability”,experts said approaching Net Zero is both a responsibility and an opportunityfor the business community; in which the “early birds” will enjoy the advantageof being pioneers. In addition, enterprises that position their brands earlier inthe changing consumer trends will exploit the potential of marketdiversification, especially in promoting import and export activities.
The active participation of the business community, especiallythe private sector and consumers, will also promote the creation of a wave ofgreen economic development and build a sustainable foundation for green growth.Therefore, the Government and localities need to have mechanisms and policies for breakthrough innovation to support enterprises in transforming their production and business models, and to increase publicawareness of green and sustainable development.
Experts and businessmen engage in an discussion at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Regarding Net Zero, Prof. Dr. Jonathan Pincus, SeniorInternational Economist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) saidthat energy transition, application of renewable energy, and energy savingare among important issues. To realize the transition, both the nationaleconomy and business activities need technological solutions,using energy-saving materials, and developing renewable energy. Meanwhile, Ha Dang Son, Deputy Chief of Party (Technical) of the USAIDVietnam Low Emission Energy Programme II (V-LEEP II) said that it is necessaryto see renewable energy development as an opportunity, but opportunities onlycome when there are mechanisms and policies to promote. Each country must havea long-term plan, especially for Vietnam, it should promote business modelssuitable to the renewable energy market and green growth goals. Currently, many domestic and foreign banks and organisationshave strong commitments to supporting Vietnam's green transition. However,how to use the capital to serve this goal in Vietnam is an issue that requires the support of ministries and agencies, Son said, addingthat investors always seek a long-term plan.
Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People'sCommittee said that the city issued a strategy and plan to develop a greeneconomy through building green transition policies and mechanisms in industries andfields, including energy, technology, andmanufacturing and businesses.
The city wants to realise the goals of sustainable development, andgreen growth, he said, a🔯dding Can Gio district was selected as a pilot locality for greenenergy transition and ca🍌rbon emission reduction./.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on July 27 hosted a reception for Steven Winn, Chief Global Strategist and Senior Managing Executive Officer of JERA Co. Inc.
In its efforts to realise its commitment of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 announced at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the Vietnamese government has carried out master planning and issued many national strategies and plans.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) held a consultation workshop in Hanoi on August 11 to discuss a draft resource mobilisation plan to implement the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Science and technology, which has played a significant role in promoting socioeconomic development, is also the motivation and key for Vietnam to complete the net-zero emission commitment by 2050, which was given by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), according to experts.
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.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
The active participation of the business community, especially the private sector and consumers, will also promote the creation of a wave of green economic development and build a sustainable foundation for green growth. (Source: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn) 
Experts and businessmen engage in an discussion at the event. (Photo: VNA) 
