On October 22nd, 2011, the Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment (IMHEN/MONRE) held the workshop on “Updating and Sharing Information on Climate Change over the World and in Vietnam” for the press.
According to International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Vietnam is one of the countries affected most seriously by climate change. During the past 50 years, the mean temperature has raised by 0.5oC, the sea level has raised by about 20cm, and natural disasters have been more and more fierce.
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A map showing areas affected by sea level raising
in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta
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According to scenarios for climate change, by the end of 21st century the mean temperature in Vietnam raises by 2-3oC, annual total rainfall and rainy season rainfall increases while dry season rainfall decreases. The sea level would raise by 75cm to 1m in comparison to the period of 1980-1999.
In the case the sea level raises by 1 m, about 40% of Cuu Long River Plateau area, 11% of Red River Plateau area, and 3% coastal provinces area will be under water, and 20% of Ho Chi Minh City area will be flooded. In total, 10-12% population will be directly affected and economic lost will be approximately 10% of GDP.
However, beside negative effects, climate change can also be a driving force to speed up formulation and development of new consume patterns and technological innovation friendly to the environment, to raise capacity for competitiveness in the world’s market, to open up new markets on technology, energy, products, and services with low carbon emission, in technological transfer, and in access to international financial institutions for climate change.