Ho Chi Minh City against climate change: [4] The effectiveness of non-construction solutions

Flood control cannot rely on infrastructure alone

For many years, Ho Chi Minh City has invested tens of trillions of Vietnamese dong in tidal control, flood prevention, irrigation upgrades, and drainage projects. However, as climate change intensifies, experts believe that relying on infrastructure alone is no longer sufficient.

Heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense, tidal surges are repeatedly exceeding Alert Level III, and rapid urbanization and concrete expansion continue to reduce the city’s natural water-retention spaces. As a result, pressure on infrastructure is steadily increasing.

According to Dr. Le Manh Hung, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Water Resources Science and Technology, the city needs to shift from a “flood control” mindset to one focused on “climate adaptation.”

“No city can completely resist natural disasters through infrastructure alone. The key is to strengthen the adaptive capacity of both urban systems and communities against increasingly extreme risks,” Dr. Le Manh Hung said.

Changing the way the city operates

One of the solutions implemented regularly in recent years is improving water flow and removing water hyacinths and waste blocking canals. Across many localities, authorities continuously organize clean-up activities, dredging, and drainage maintenance to reduce water stagnation during heavy rainfall or high tides.

This city is also stepping up efforts to increase urban green spaces to reduce heat island effects and improve natural rainwater absorption. Bui Minh Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said that from 2021 to 2025, the city has planted more than 16 million trees. In 2025 alone, hundreds of thousands of trees were planted in residential areas, parks, and roads across the city.

“Starting in 2026, Ho Chi Minh City identifies green growth and sustainable development as long-term priorities. The city will continue expanding public green spaces, targeting one square meter of green space per person by 2030, while promoting circular economy models and pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Vice Chairman Thanh.

Climate adaptation is no longer solely the responsibility of environmental or water management sectors. It requires comprehensive changes in how cities operate and develop. Ho Chi Minh City is therefore promoting green transformation in transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fine particulate pollution - issues increasingly affecting urban residents’ health.

“More parks, green corridors, riverside spaces, and public areas are being considered for expansion. The city also plans to increase greenery in residential zones, schools, and industrial parks to improve urban microclimates,” said Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa, Rector of Tra Vinh University.

Plastic waste is also considered a major environmental challenge. During heavy rains, accumulated waste at drainage points and canals increases the risk of localized flooding. As a result, the city is strengthening programs to reduce plastic waste, classify waste at source, promote sustainable consumption habits, and raise environmental awareness.

Strengthening community resilience

Alongside changes in infrastructure and urban governance, Ho Chi Minh City is also increasing efforts to improve community preparedness for extreme weather events.

Before periods of heavy rainfall or when tides exceed Alert Level II, the city’s Civil Defense Command issues warnings and requests local authorities implement emergency response measures. Warning information is continuously disseminated through media, social platforms, websites, and specialized apps to help residents prepare.

Local authorities are also required to maintain 24/7 emergency operations during hazardous weather events to promptly handle incidents. Meanwhile, embankment management teams regularly inspect dikes, embankments, and vulnerable riverbank areas to reinforce them before the rainy and tidal seasons. Numerous awareness programs on disaster prevention are organized in residential areas, schools, riverside communities, and low-lying zones to improve public preparedness.

In areas frequently affected by high tides, residents are advised to bring belongings to high places, disconnect electricity during flooding, store food and clean water, and comply with evacuation orders when necessary.

The city has recently implemented its disaster prevention strategy through 2030 with multiple priorities. Agencies and localities are focusing on prevention, response, and recovery plans for earthquakes and tsunamis. Disaster prevention considerations are also being integrated into land use planning, water resource management, and infrastructure development to minimize risks.

In the field of agriculture, Ho Chi Minh City is reviewing production models and encouraging adjustments to crop and livestock structures to better suit changing weather patterns, drought, and salinity intrusion. Monitoring of meteorological and hydrological conditions is also being strengthened to support timely production guidance and minimize losses.

As for fisheries, the city is enhancing vessel registration, management, and guidance for fishers on safe anchorage during storms and tropical depressions. At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City is applying technology to monitor fishing vessels, aiming for 100% of offshore fishing boats to install vessel monitoring systems to maintain communication at sea.

During June 4 - 6, 2026, in Cua Lo ward (Nghe An Province), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee, will organize a series of communication events responding to World Environment Day (June 5), World Oceans Day (June 8), Action Month for Environment, and Viet Nam Sea and Islands Week 2026.

1. National Forum on Environment and Climate - From policy to action

- Time: 8:00 a.m., June 5, 2026

- Venue: Vinpearl Cua Hoi, Cua Lo ward, Nghe An province

- Online participation: ID: 942 6837 3034 | Passcode: KH0605

2. National Workshop: “Improving institutions and policies to promote sustainable marine economic development”

- Time: 2:00 p.m., June 5, 2026

- Venue: Vinpearl Cua Hoi, Cua Lo ward, Nghe An province

- Online participation: ID: 934 2999 5099 | Passcode: HT0506

3. Art program: “Viet Nam’s Sea - A journey toward blue spaces”

- Time: 8:00 p.m., June 5, 2026

- Venue: Binh Minh Square, Cua Lo ward, Nghe An province

4. National launch ceremony for World Environment Day, World Ocean Day, Action Month for Environment, Viet Nam Sea and Islands Week 2026; launch of the campaign “All citizens join hands to protect the environment for a green, clean, and beautiful Viet Nam”

- Time: 6:00 a.m., June 6, 2026

- Venue: Binh Minh Square, Cua Lo ward, Nghe An province

5. Exhibition: “Blue Marine Economy - Sustainable Agriculture and Environment”

- Time: June 4 - 6, 2026

- Venue: Binh Minh Square, Cua Lo ward, Nghe An province