Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has given priority to green growth duringits economic development, according to Inter Press Service (IPS).

“Vietnam’s shift from a centrally planned to a market economy has transformedthe country. And while it is now is one of the most dynamic emerging countriesin Southeast Asia, this has sometimes been at the expense of the environment.But the country has begun to prioritise green growth,” said an article posted onIPS website on December 18.

Vietnam’s economic growth has been accompanied by significant rural to urbanmigration, which has led to increasing social and environmental challenges.Over the past decades, some 700 square kilometres of land has been convertedinto urban areas. Emissions per unit of GDP are surpassing all otherAsian-Pacific developing countries, except for China. This is fuelled bydomestic coal consumption, which currently accounts for 36 percent ofelectricity supply and is projected to increase 56 percent by 2030.

In that context, an inclusive green economy has emerged as a strategic priorityin the country. A green growth economy helps improve human well-being and buildsocial equity while reducing environmental risks.

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) ismaking efforts to promote the green growth model by enhancing green energyproduction and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has assisted Vietnamesecities to outline green master plans, strategies and renewable energy projects.

According to Adam Ward, Country Representative of GGGI for Vietnam, Vietnamwants its economic development to be inclusive, sustainable and as green aspossible. However, increasing demand for energies, climate change andfacilities are deemed as the two major challenges for the country

“The Mekong Delta is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to climatechange. Sea level rise and droughts are more common. Typhoons are moreextreme”, he said when touching on climate change issue.

He added that around 30 percent of the population lives in or around cities,and the figure is forecast to rise to over 50 percent by 2050. This brings alot of benefit in terms of economic development; however, transport facilitiesand housing are posing big problems.

This is exactly why GGGI is working on renewable energy, sustainable wastemanagement, providing guidance on increasing investment into green projects andalso specifically working with cities to make them cleaner, he told IPS.-VNA