Climate change issues heat up NA session

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh emphasised the need to take measures early to ensure water security which is threatened by climate change while addressing a question-and answer-session of the 15th National Assembly (NA)’s 7th sitting on June 4.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh speaks at the session. (Photo: NDO)
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh speaks at the session. (Photo: NDO)

Forecasting and prevention play an important role in responding to natural disasters, he said, noting the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has asked relevant agencies to upgrade equipment and coordinate with international organisations to improve their forecast capacity, which is approaching international standards.

The ministry will work harder to better the early warning system, and avert climate change risks, Khanh affirmed.

Pointing to the worsening landslides in the Mekong Delta and the northern mountainous area due to climate change, the official said localities should review and rearrange populations and landslide-prone areas, noting regulations and strict handling of encroachment on river beds and banks are needed.

In this regard, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan elaborated on the Prime Minister’s and his ministry’s efforts against drought and saltwater intrusion, and called water quantity, quality and usage important factors to settling water issues.

On this occasion, Khanh touched upon issues regarding mining and construction materials, saying over the past time, many key national projects have been provided with construction materials.

Apart from the legislature’s resolutions, the Government has issued resolutions guiding the implementation, and the MoNRE has adopted guidelines on the exploitation of building materials.

VNA