Policy Responses

Vietnam's policy on climate change

Vietnam is now trying to formulate and implement policies for natural resource and environmental protection.

Sustainable development is the national strategy and policies for the period from 1991 to the year 2000 emphasize environmental protection.

A plan has been contributed to by many domestic and foreign specialists and has been approved at the conference on the environment and sustainable development that was held in Hanoi in 1990. Many documents have been prepared on laws protecting the environment.

The National Committee for Scientific Research is the unified body for environmental protection. Other scientific societies are looking at related issues. Many projects focus attention on this problem. As a result, awareness of the environment is higher now but there are still acute challenges. There is not enough education on the subject.

Environmental protection policies must take into account climate change. Vietnam policy must be adjusted because this country has a complicated climate. This climate might become even more diverse and the economy depends on climate. In the future, the productivity of Vietnam will continue to depend on natural conditions.

Requirements are high. The population growth rate is over 2% per year and an increased rate of per capita economic growth is required. This demographic pressure is heavy. And Vietnam's policies must reflect the changing world conditions. Economic policy must take into account climate change and sea level rise.

With increases expected in disasters, storms and other extreme climate events, and with an expected decrease in land area, careful consideration is called for. We have to look at the long-term research is needed to help us avoid over- or under-reaction.

Ten steps must be taken:

• Consider different strategies to protect those vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise.
• Control coastal ecosystems.
• Consider protection of biodiversity.
• Pay attention to technical measures to sustain productivity in vulnerable areas.
• Push forward research on climate change and preventive measures.
• Consider the impacts of climate change on health.
• Increase social awareness and arm everyone with knowledge.
• Push forward research on sea level rise.
• Increase co-operation on national and international levels, especially among nations sharing a Southeast Asian monsoon climate. An international organization to encourage this work would be useful.
• Modify the current organizational structures to facilitate reactions to climate change and sea level rise.

"Policy Responses: The National Action Plan"

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