Proactively adapting to climate change, toward net-zero emissions

Facing increasingly extreme and unpredictable climate patterns, as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Viet Nam urgently needs to reduce emissions and transform its development model toward carbon neutrality. This is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic direction for green and sustainable economic growth.

Proactive integration and global leadership

In recent years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proactively advised the Party and the State on major policies related to climate change response and has actively participated in international forums, making responsible contributions to the global climate agenda.

Viet Nam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, announced at COP26, marked a turning point - demonstrating the country’s strong determination to green its economy. After that, a series of legal documents, strategies, and national action programs have been issued, creating a robust legal foundation for this transition. Among them are the Law on Environmental Protection (2020), Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Ozone Layer Protection, and the National Strategy on Climate Change to 2050. These policies not only strengthen the institutional framework but also pave the way for Viet Nam’s participation in the international carbon credit market and greenhouse gas reduction mechanisms.

According to international studies, climate change could cause global economic losses amounting to tens of trillions of USD annually. Viet Nam is no exception: Typhoon Yagi in 2024 alone caused over USD 3.3 billion in damages. The figures highlight the pressing need for a green transformation.

Since COP26, the global “rules of the game” have changed. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and new provisions under the Paris Agreement require countries to take stronger, more transparent climate action. For Viet Nam, adapting to climate change is not only about protecting the environment but also about enhancing competitiveness and ensuring long-term development security.

Five breakthrough directions for the new period

The Political Report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for the 2025-2030 term emphasizes that responding to climate change and preventing natural disasters are shared responsibilities of the entire political system, every citizen, and society as a whole. Achieving carbon neutrality will make an essential contribution to the country’s sustainable development.

Recognizing the goal of net-zero emissions as a strategic national task, the Department of Climate Change has outlined several key directions to create breakthroughs in the coming period.

First and foremost, the institutional and policy framework will be strengthened to provide a unified and consistent legal foundation for climate action. The Department plans to propose including climate change response content in the Central Committee’s specialized Resolution in 2027 and to draft a Law on Climate Change for submission to the National Assembly in 2029. Once adopted, this law will concretize the national policy on carbon neutrality, accelerate the development of a domestic carbon market, and facilitate Viet Nam’s participation in international carbon credit exchange mechanisms.

In parallel with institutional improvement, Viet Nam will intensify the effective implementation of its international commitments. Emission reduction and adaptation activities will be closely monitored and evaluated in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Strategy on Climate Change to 2050, and the Adaptation Plan for 2021-2030, ensuring that all targets are achieved as pledged.

At the same time, communication and public awareness will play a vital role in turning policy into collective action. Information about the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of pursuing a net-zero pathway will be widely disseminated through digital platforms, training programs, seminars, and community workshops. The aim is to build social consensus and encourage all stakeholders to participate in the transition toward carbon neutrality.

Another key direction is fostering data-driven and innovation-based climate responses. The Department of Climate Change is developing a national climate data platform that integrates cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and remote sensing. These tools will enhance greenhouse gas monitoring and inventory, provide early disaster warnings, and support the expansion of smart, climate-resilient agriculture. The ultimate goal is to deliver 100% online public services, reducing compliance costs for both citizens and businesses.

Equally important are strengthening management capacity and international cooperation. Management staff will receive intensive training to improve negotiation skills and deepen their understanding of global climate policy trends. Viet Nam will also proactively engage in regional and international cooperation mechanisms, mobilizing financial, technological, and intellectual resources to support effective climate action at home.

The Department of Climate Change affirms that this roadmap will guide the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in harnessing collective strength - turning challenges into opportunities - and contributing to the building of a green economy, sustainable development, and a carbon-neutral future by 2050.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the agriculture and environment sector and the First Patriotic Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will organize a series of events from July to December 2025. The highlight will be the 80th Anniversary Celebration and the First Patriotic Emulation Congress, scheduled for the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center (Ha Noi), with more than 1,200 delegates in attendance - including leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, and the Government; former ministry leaders; representatives of international organizations; and outstanding individuals from across the sector.