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) –ꩲ Vietnam’s commitment to 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, adding Can Gio district was selected as a pilot locality for greenenergy transition and carbon 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.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart in Hanoi on July 31.
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.
Floodwater levels in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta are high and will continue to rise this month, especially in upstream areas, according to the hydraulic works management and construction department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
Conservation efforts to restore habitat and boost the population of red-crowned cranes in Tram Chim National Park are finally showing progress, with the cranes and many other rare wild birds coming back to the park.
Torrential rains from the night of July 31 to early August 1 triggered flash floods and landslides across several communes in Dien Bien province, leaving at least two people dead and eight others missing.
Transitioning to a circular economy not only offers a sustainable development path for Ho Chi Minh City but also serves as a pivotal step toward establishing a fully green economy.
An exhibition featuring 100 green, recycled, and circular economy models and products from 50 businesses and educational establishments took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 31, as part of the local green transition forum and recycle day 2025.
Regional solidarity and cooperation are the key factor for the effective implementation of wildlife protection regulations. Only through sustainable cooperation, innovative approaches, and collective action can biodiversity be safeguarded for the present and future generations, an Vietnamese official has said.
Hanoi has approved a comprehensive plan to restore the environmental quality and develop four major urban rivers – the To Lich, Kim Nguu, Lu, and Set reverine environments.
The Javan pangolin is listed in Vietnam’s Red Book as critically endangered and is protected under Group IB – a category reserved for forest species facing an extremely high risk of extinction and requiring strict conservation measures.
As a key member of the core group of 18 countries, initiated by Vanuatu, Vietnam engaged in advocating for the UN General Assembly’s Resolution N.77/276, requesting for the ICJ’s advisory opinion. Following the resolution's adoption, Vietnam fully participated in all procedural steps for the first time, from submitting written proposals to presenting directly at the court’s hearings.
The wild elephant population in Da Nang includes a full developed herb of mature males, females, and calves. To date, the herd has grown to nine individuals.
Conservation efforts here have become a model, helping to save millions of turtle hatchlings and promoting Con Dao as a member of the Indian Ocean-Southeast Asia Turtle Site Network.
As part of its drive to fulfil its net zero emissions commitment by 2050, Vietnam is fast-tracking the development of a legal corridor to launch a pilot carbon market by the end of 2025, according to the Department of Climate Change.
Under the plan, from 2025 to 2026, the city will complete mechanisms and policies to support businesses in switching to green vehicles, expand the electric and green-energy bus network, and build charging stations. The targeted proportion of green buses is set at 10% in 2025 and 20–23% in 2026.
Storm Comay, the fourth in the East Sea this year, was at around 16.7 degrees North and 118.3 degrees East, in the east of the East Sea's northern waters as of 4am on July 24.
The disaster risk warning level for flash floods, landslides, and ground subsidence due to heavy rains and flows is rated at level 1, except in Nghe An, where it is raised to level 2.