Scientific water management helps mitigate climate change impacts

On October 21, the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, organized the international scientific workshop “Water Science and Management for Sustainable Development under Climate Change.”

The event was held within the framework of the 32nd Session of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme Regional Steering Committee for Asia and the Pacific (IHP RSC-AP), hosted by Viet Nam. It also marked the 50th anniversary of the IHP and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO’s Water Science Programme, celebrating decades of global commitment to advancing hydrological research, strengthening cooperation, and promoting science-based water management.

Connecting regional solutions

Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga, Director of the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change and Chair of the Viet Nam National Committee for the IHP, emphasized that Viet Nam is honored to host this workshop at a critical time when regional cooperation is more essential than ever to address the impacts of climate change.

According to her, experts from Viet Nam and around the world will engage in discussions on pressing global and regional water challenges, explore sustainable management approaches, and share the latest scientific and technological innovations in the field.

“These discussions will foster stronger partnerships and generate practical insights that contribute to water security at both national and regional levels. We also believe that science, education, and innovation are the foundation for a sustainable and water-secure future,” emphasized Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga.

According to Mr. Jonathan W. Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Viet Nam, around 4 billion people worldwide currently experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, and this situation is expected to worsen in the future. By 2050, approximately 52% of the global population will live in areas under water stress. Meanwhile, climate change is intensifying the hydrological cycle, causing floods, droughts, and saltwater intrusion to occur more frequently and severely.

In this context, the Regional Steering Committee of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) for the Asia-Pacific region plays a central role in connecting the efforts of member countries, helping to translate national achievements into collective regional resilience and strength. As the host country, Viet Nam has demonstrated strong commitment and significant contributions to the sustainable management and development of water resources.

“UNESCO stands ready to work alongside Viet Nam to turn today’s scientific advances into concrete actions to safeguard water resources for future generations,” affirmed Mr. Jonathan Baker.

Viet Nam faces multiple challenges

Addressing water security challenges in Viet Nam, Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy from the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change emphasized that with its long coastline and dense population, Viet Nam is among the countries most vulnerable to the future impacts of climate change. Statistics show that between 1958 and 2018, the country’s average temperature rose by about 0.89°C per year, while annual rainfall increased by around 2.1% and sea levels rose by approximately 2.7 mm per year. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. According to the 2020 climate change scenario, average temperatures are projected to rise by 1.2-2.3°C by mid-century, with rainfall increasing by about 10-15%.

Alongside climate change, Viet Nam continues to grapple with challenges such as uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water resources, declining water quality, saltwater intrusion, changes in sediment regimes, reliance on transboundary water sources, and rising water demand. Floods and droughts are occurring with greater frequency and severity, while water resource governance still faces significant issues that must be addressed to ensure national water security.

Professor Toshio Koike, Executive Director of ICHARM Japan, offered several recommendations for Viet Nam. He noted that climate change often leads to extreme weather events, particularly intense short-duration rainfall. Therefore, climate change adaptation should be viewed through the lens of how to harness excess water resources through appropriate social infrastructure solutions. In addition, he emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation among relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, policymakers, and communities, to jointly manage water resources. This, he said, is essential to enhancing climate resilience both locally and nationally.

During the workshop, participants exchanged insights and experiences on disaster risk management solutions, innovations in water use, and the application of artificial intelligence in hydrological data analysis. Discussions also covered high-resolution flood modeling to support community-based flood risk management, and sustainable water management in countries and small island states.

On the sidelines of the event, a scientific exhibition showcased prominent initiatives in water conservation and management across the region, including three projects by young Vietnamese scientists that won the UNESCO Water Challenge 2025 - a testament to the creativity and active engagement of the young generation in addressing water-related challenges.

On October 22, the 32nd Session of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) Regional Steering Committee for the Asia - Pacific Region will officially open in Hanoi. The event brings together 17 National Committees of the IHP from across the Asia - Pacific, along with nearly 100 international experts from countries in the region.