“For a Green National Environment” programme launched
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Delegates press the button to launch the 'For a Green National Environment" Programme 2025. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - A ceremony was held in Hanoi on June 15 evening to launch the “For a Green National Environment” programme 2025 and announce the National Green ESG Business Programme.
The National Green ESG Business Programme promotes sustainable business models among enterprises in Vietnam, focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, aiming towards green and sustainable development and contributing to the country’s socio-economic progress.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hoang Hiep, Director of the Academy for Green Growth, stated that this year’s “For a Green National Environment” programme, themed “Green Era – Era of the Nation’s Rise,” , serves as an important activity in response to the country’s transformative period, contributing to national goals of emissions reduction and environmental protection.
According to Hiep, Vietnam is among the countries most severely affected by climate change. Its average temperature has increased by 0.5 to 0.7 degree Celsius per decade and is projected to rise by another 1 to 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.
Businesses that are responsible to the community and the environment will gain more trust and support from consumers. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Looking back at early 2025, the air in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was thick with fine dust, with PM2.5 concentrations 16 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s safe threshold.
In addition, it is forecast that this year the country will face five to six major storms making landfall, bringing with them flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, while major urban centres are at risk of severe flooding. Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta - the nation’s rice granary - will continue to struggle against drought and saltwater intrusion. Economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless Vietnam takes strong action, Hiep emphasised.
He noted the Vietnamese Government has early recognised this issue, sharing that from January 1, 2025, a series of new environmental regulations have come into effect, including mandatory greenhouse gas inventories for over 2,100 enterprises, motorbike emission inspections, industrial emission fees, and producer responsibility for recycling.
These measures form a solid legal foundation for the country’s collective action, he said, calling on the community to join hands and t𝕴ake practical actions to achieve the goal of a green era./.
According to the International Finance Corporation’s 2023 Country Climate and Development Report, businesses with clear ESG strategies attract 20–25% more investment than those without ESG strategies.
A programme was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on January 16 to support businesses in Vietnam in measuring and implementing comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices in human resources management to improve their competitive edge in the global supply chain.
As global markets demand greater sustainability, companies are facing pressure and opportunity to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards into long-term strategies, with stronger regulatory backing and sector-wide support.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
A national plan sets clear goals to be achieved by 2030, including the completion of climate-resilient infrastructure and improved capacity for disaster prevention and adaptation.
A delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) led by Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan is attending the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress (NIEC) in St. Petersburg on May 22-23.
