Adapting to climate change: The imperative of our time

This strong shift stems not only from awareness of environmental risks but also from the imperative to sustain double-digit economic growth in the country’s new development phase.

The inevitable path to sustainable development

Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a global goal and has become the “new rule” in international trade and investment following COP26. When Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced this commitment in Glasgow, it reaffirmed Viet Nam's readiness to act at the highest level, allocating resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions despite its high vulnerability to climate change.

Viet Nam is entering a new phase with climate action at the center, viewing it as an opportunity to restructure the economy toward sustainability while promoting trade and investment for development.

After COP26, Viet Nam quickly turned its global commitments into concrete actions. The signing of the Political Declaration on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with the G7 countries opened opportunities to access advanced technologies, green financing, and international experience to support low-emission development goals. The government announced a JETP implementation plan targeting renewable energy to account for about 47% of total primary energy by 2030, rising to 80-85% by 2050.

The National Steering Committee for COP26 Commitments, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, promptly tasked itself with developing a unified policy framework. Key initiatives include the National Climate Change Strategy through 2050, the Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and various ministerial action programs focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The legal framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is gradually being strengthened by the Law on Environmental Protection (2020) and its implementing decrees and circulars. In the energy sector, long considered the “lifeblood” of the economy, Power Development Plan VIII establishes a roadmap to gradually reduce reliance on fossil fuels, develop renewable energy, and move toward a more sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system.

These policies and actions reflect the consistent guidance of the Party and State of Viet Nam through 2050 and beyond: “Adapting to climate change and achieving net-zero emissions must be the highest priority in development decisions and the highest ethical standard for all levels, sectors, enterprises, and citizens.” This will serve as a crucial driver toward achieving the “centennial goal” - Viet Nam becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045.

Realizing the vision of a low-carbon economy

Building on previous achievements, since COP26, Viet Nam has continued to integrate climate change adaptation comprehensively into all socio-economic development strategies and plans at every level, linking resource allocation and accountability to relevant stakeholders. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment serves as the focal point for compiling greenhouse gas inventories, establishing monitoring, reporting, and verification systems for emission reductions, ensuring transparency and consistency. The Ministry also implements emission-reduction measures in waste management, agriculture, and land use, while increasing carbon absorption in forests.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade leads efforts to reduce emissions in energy and industry, encouraging technological innovation and improving energy efficiency. The Ministry of Construction promotes the development of green urban areas, low-carbon building materials, and energy-efficient structures. The Ministry of Finance integrates emission reduction objectives into investment planning, budget structuring, and capital allocation for green projects.

Thanks to coordinated efforts and proactive engagement from ministries, agencies, and local authorities, Viet Nam is focusing on reducing emissions in key sectors while mobilizing substantial green financial resources to support enterprises in technology transitions, aiming for net-zero emissions. Viet Nam has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy supply within ASEAN, a highly regarded example internationally for promoting sustainable green agriculture, and an active, responsible participant in most major multilateral mechanisms and initiatives on green growth and energy transition.

Within the business sector, developing a Net Zero strategy has become a new trend. Increasingly, domestic corporations are setting clear emission-reduction targets with defined timelines. For example, Vinamilk aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) is intensifying investments in renewable energy, and major export companies are participating in the Science-Based Targets initiative to transparently inventory and report emissions in line with international standards. Internal corporate training programs on Net Zero and green initiatives are being implemented to foster a culture of sustainable development. Many localities are promoting education and public communication on green lifestyles, reducing plastic waste, using public transport, and saving energy.

Experience shows that this is precisely the right path for Viet Nam: ensuring strong, double-digit economic growth while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach is especially crucial in the context of deep international integration, where investment flows, trade, and technology transfer are increasingly tied to low-emission standards.

Speaking at the UN-hosted Online Climate Action Summit ahead of COP30 in 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that no matter how the world changes, Viet Nam remains steadfast in its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and will uphold the spirit of the “Three Readinesses”: ready to participate, ready to accompany, and ready to lead. Viet Nam will continue to be a trusted friend, reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community on the path toward green and sustainable development.

For Viet Nam, responding to climate change is an imperative of the era, green transformation is a top priority, and it is resolutely determined not to sacrifice environmental protection for mere economic growth.