Ha Noi, 2 December 2009 - What are the main climate change challenges facing Viet Nam? What policies are needed to ensure that Viet Nam continues on a path of sustainable human development?  These are the main questions addressed in Viet Nam and Climate Change: A discussion paper on policies for sustainable human development which was launched today at a national climate change dialogue organized by the United Nations, the Viet Nam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Oxfam.


The paper highlights the main climate change challenges faced by Viet Nam and makes a series of recommendations for how national policies and practices should be strengthened.  It argues that while Viet Nam is one of the countries most affected by climate change, major climate action is possible and that can bring many opportunities for further development. These benefits extend well beyond just averting the dangers of the adverse effects of climate change: Viet Nam could benefit from new international financing for adaptation and mitigation, adoption of more efficient, cleaner technologies, and gender equality could be improved through empowering women in local and national decision-making related to climate change. 
 
Two related research papers, Responding to Climate Change in Viet Nam: Opportunities for improving gender equality, prepared in collaboration with Oxfam and national partners, and Building Resilience: adaptive strategies for coastal livelihoods most at risk to climate change impacts in Central Viet Nam were also presented and discussed at the event this morning. A range of issues were discussed by participants, including the challenge of coordination of climate change responses, the need for market-based mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation, the different (often more severe) impacts on women of climate change effects, and how to best Viet Nam to absorb the expected increase in financing for adaptation and mitigation.

Click below to download papers from today’s policy discussion:

• Viet Nam and Climate Change: A discussion paper on policies for sustainable human development
• Responding to Climate Change in Viet Nam: Opportunities for improving gender equality
• Factsheet on climate change effects

You can also participate in an online discussion about issues raised at today's event - initiated by Le Giang Lam, the WWViews Vietnam representative at COP15 - by clicking here.