Environment

In the context of a global economy shifting strongly towards greening, digitalisation, and low emissions, Viet Nam has many new development opportunities but also faces numerous challenges. This requires appropriate mechanisms and policies to enhance adaptability and reduce pressure from climate change and environmental pollution in socio-economic development.

With the advantage of more than 19,000 hectares of water surface of Thac Ba Lake, in recent years Yen Binh Commune, Lao Cai Province, has actively invited and created favorable conditions for enterprises and cooperatives to invest in applying scientific and technical advances to cage fish farming on the lake, contributing to improving people’s income and living standards.

The Forestry and Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment coordinated with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Government of Germany to organise a kick-off meeting for the project “Conservation, Sustainable Finance and Development of Complex Ecosystems in Viet Nam’s Special-Use and Protection Forests” (MEPA) in Lao Cai on February 6.

A high-level delegation from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), led by its Managing Director Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, paid a working visit to the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) on February 4 to advance Viet Nam–Germany cooperation in sustainable development, energy transition and green hydrogen.

The transition towards green energy use is a critical solution to ensure national energy security as traditional power sources face gradual depletion. Furthermore, renewable energy generates significant economic value, assists in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the nation’s journey towards its Net Zero goals.

The 102.5 million USD project aimed at responding to the rising greenhouse gas emissions and protecting important forest ecosystems was launched in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province, on January 29.

Viet Nam has faced difficult challenges regarding resource depletion, environmental pollution, and the far-reaching impacts of global climate change. In response to the demands of sustainable development and the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, resource management, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation have undergone significant shifts in management thinking, institutional improvement, gradually affirming their crucial role in protecting national development resources.

The industrial sector currently consumes large amounts of energy and generates high levels of emissions. Amid the strong global energy transition, the application of natural gas in industry is regarded as a key solution to promoting green and sustainable production in Viet Nam.

On the journey toward Net Zero, alongside efforts to curb emissions, harnessing and accumulating carbon credits from nature is an effective solution. Recently, Vietnamese scientists have identified a natural carbon source with large reserves and high average storage capacity within mangrove forest ecosystems.

From January 1, 2026, Ha Noi officially rolled out a series of measures to curb the use of single-use plastics at markets, convenience stores, hotels and tourist sites, marking the start of a roadmap to reduce plastic waste and move towards sustainable consumption. After more than a week of implementation, many establishments have begun to comply with the regulations, but reality suggests there will still be considerable challenges before the policy fully takes effect.

After one year of implementing the Project on one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth, farmers in the Mekong Delta have boldly changed their production mindset, so that Vietnamese rice has begun to acquire a “green identity” in the international market.

Facing increasing air pollution, Ha Noi has chosen a new direction: controlling traffic emissions through institutional measures, the application of artificial intelligence (AI), and monitoring technologies in order to enhance the effectiveness of urban management.

The carbon credit market is a key policy instrument that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions through market-based mechanisms. However, for businesses to participate in the carbon market in a sustainable manner, relevant authorities need to promptly roll out concrete plans, solutions and an appropriate legal framework.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has officially launched the Viet Nam Agricultural Product Traceability System.

In the face of increasingly severe environmental pollution, green urban development not only reflects businesses’ responsibility in minimising negative impacts on the environment, but also meets residents’ growing demand for an all-round improvement in quality of life.

With the goal of fulfilling the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and the strong shift towards green energy, self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power is emerging as one of the most effective solutions for households and businesses.

In 2022, the pilot scheme to develop raw material zones launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was officially initiated. Following investment, these raw material zones have played a leading role in production, while also linking the “four stakeholders” — farmers, enterprises, scientists, and the state — in the development of modern agriculture.

A new circular issued by the Ministry of Construction clearly defines the boundaries and scope of maritime areas in Nghe An, contributing to improved effectiveness and efficiency in the management of maritime activities.

Temperatures at the peak of Fansipan (Lao Cai Province) dropped below zero on the morning of January 7. Combined with rainfall, the cold caused the water to freeze, forming ice that blanketed the area in white.

Ha Noi aims to cut average annual PM2.5 concentrations by around 20% by 2030 compared to 2024 levels, lowering them to below 40 µg/m³, as air pollution remains a serious challenge for the capital and other major urban areas.