COP-17 takes places with the global economy on the verge of collapse. The world’s major economies have serious problems at home, and conflicts between developed and developing countries are also greatly affecting the Durban discussions. Vietnam has been an active participant, representing developing countries on climate change issue. Nguyen Khac Hieu, an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment expressed Vietnam’s stance on the Kyoto protocol: “Vietnam wants to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Kyoto protocol needs to be allowed to continue to serve as a foundation for the fight against climate change. It took 8 years for the protocol to be accepted by the world community and officially take effect, and there is no reason to replace it. So far, the Kyoto protocol has been the sole legal document on climate change.”

Vietnam shares concerns about every major issue raised by host South Africa. These include drafting a new legally-binding document to replace the 1^st phase of the Kyoto protocol when it expires next year;  and clearly defining the financial responsibility and obligations of countries with large carbon footprints to cut down their greenhouse gas emissions. Participants also discuss ways of seeking a co-ordination mechanism to implement measures to mitigate global climate change, and ensuring the inclusion of everyone’s interests in the agreements. Mr. Nguyen Khac Hieu from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said: “Greenhouse gas emissions are different in developed and developing countries. It is important to spell out the responsibilities of each group. Developed countries must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emission as a compulsory responsibility while developing countries should be  allowed to do that on a voluntary basis and under the supervision of the developed countries”.

Vietnam is known to be one of the countries hardest hit by climate change. It joined the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994 and ratified the Kyoto protocol in 2002. Over the years, Vietnam has been active in the global activities for a greener planet. Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Tran Hong Ha said that Vietnam aims to slightly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, join world efforts to cope with climate change, and shift to a low carbon economy. “Vietnam is committed to pursuing a green economy, which requires all countries to work closely. It is important that existing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Fund in Support of Technology  be implemented with a focus on technology transfer and human capital development,” Ha said.

Vietnam has developed a National Target Program on Climate Change by 2020 and vision to 2050, and a scenario for climate change and rising sea levels. Attending COP-17 in Durban, Vietnam is actively seeking support for its efforts to deal with climate change, shift to a low carbon economy, and ensure green growth  and sustainable development.

Anh Huyen