On 7 November 2011, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment hosted a press conference in Hanoi to share information about climate change, in both a global and Vietnamese context.

Based on the evaluation of the inter-governmental climate change experts, Vietnam is one of countries most vulnerable to climate change. Over the last 50 years, the average temperature has increased by 0.5 Celsius degrees; sea level has risen by 20cm and more extreme weather incidents have occurred.

The workshop focused on four climate change related topics;  the progress of the National Target Program to Respond to Climate Change (NTP-RCC) after two years of implementation; the National Strategy on Climate Change; climate change adaptation and sea level rise planning,  and international climate change issues.

The journalist attending the workshops also raised many issues for discussion, including the 2011 flooding and international cooperation for the Mekong River water resource management and impacts on delta area.

Families affected by flooding, Central Vietnam

There has been and increased occurrence of extreme weather incidents, which have seriously affected the agricultural production and human health. The Mekong Delta is among three deltas in the world that most vulnerable to sea level rise. If the sea level rises by one meter, 40% of Mekong Delta area, 11% of Red River Delta area and 3% of coastal province areas would be flooded. In additional, 10-12% of the Vietnamese population would be directly affected, causing a loss of 10% of GDP.

Based on Vietnam's climate change adaptation plan, at the end of 21^st century the average temperature of Vietnam would increased by 2-3 Celsius degrees, and total rainfall per year would increase, with rainfall each in rainy season would increase while that in dry season would decrease. The sea level may rise up by 75-100cm compared to average level of 1980-1999.

However, climate change can be seen as a strong motivation to the establishment and development of a new model of consuming, and environment friendly oriented innovations. Participants contributed suggested solutions and changes required to limit climate change, and discussed sustainable development criteria, green growth and the importance of raising awareness of community in environmental protection.

Source:Le Vu from Voice of Vietnam (VOV)