Viet Nam to fulfill COP26 climate commitments

This event was timely, following recent reports promoting Viet Nam-France cooperation for a blue marine economy and environmental sustainability, outlining the development of a National low-emission crop production strategy, highlighting that Viet Nam leads global climate action, and affirming that Viet Nam is ready to fulfill climate commitments. The conference was designed to disseminate knowledge on climate change response and update the progress and specific roadmap for realizing the carbon neutrality goal that Viet Nam pledged to the international community.

Within the conference framework, representatives from the Department of Climate Change delivered presentations on three key areas: Viet Nam's efforts to implement international greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction commitments, aiming for Net Zero by 2050; the country's implementation of global climate change adaptation commitments; and the organization and development of Viet Nam's carbon market.

Strong climate pledges

In her opening remarks, Mai Kim Lien, Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change, acknowledged the severe challenges climate change poses to sustainable development. She noted that nations have made strong commitments at international climate conferences recently. Ms. Mai Kim Lien emphasized that Viet Nam’s climate commitments demonstrate its responsibility to the global community.

Notably, since the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Viet Nam joined other nations in agreeing to limit the global temperature increase to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. Building on that pledge, Viet Nam committed at COP26 to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 – a moment that affirms the country's responsibility and determination to join the global effort to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. Beyond the Net Zero target, Viet Nam is actively participating in several other international initiatives, including the Global Methane Pledge, the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, and the Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement.

"These commitments not only demonstrate Viet Nam's responsibility to the international community but also open opportunities to attract green finance, advanced technology, and cooperative projects. This enhances our capacity for climate change response and creates momentum for green, sustainable economic development”, Ms. Mai Kim Lien affirmed.

Immediately following COP26, the Vietnamese Government implemented a range of synchronous measures, from completing the legal framework to developing long-term strategies, to create a roadmap for realizing the aforementioned climate goals.

The Prime Minister established a National Steering Committee to implement Viet Nam's COP26 commitments and approved a corresponding Project. The Prime Minister also directed the integration of climate change response goals into all socio-economic development strategies and plans. Several key documents have been issued, most notably Decision 896, approving the National Strategy on Climate Change to 2050, and Decision 888, approving the Project for Implementing the Results of the COP26 Conference. Furthermore, the Government issued Decree 06 and Decree 119 (2025), which specifically regulate greenhouse gas emission reduction, carbon market development, and related management mechanisms.

A series of other plans are also underway, including the Action Plan for Methane Emission Reduction to 2030, the National Plan for Management and Elimination of Ozone-Depleting and Greenhouse Gases, the updated National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, and the endorsement of the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Dr. Luong Quang Huy, Head of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Management and Ozone Layer Protection Division (Department of Climate Change), elaborated on Viet Nam's efforts since COP26 to fulfill its climate commitments. He noted that ministries and sectors have proactively developed GHG emission reduction plans aligned with the Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.

Sector-specific efforts

In the Energy sector, Viet Nam approved the revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), aimed at gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the development of renewable energy such as wind, solar, and biomass power. Solutions to enhance energy efficiency and conservation are being applied in industrial, transport, and construction activities, while clean, low-carbon production technologies are encouraged to cut emissions.

In Agriculture, sustainable rice farming methods, such as the "1 Must, 5 Reductions" model and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) techniques, are being widely applied to curb methane emissions. Efficient fertilizer management is used to limit N2O emissions. Crop residues like straw are being processed into fertilizer or energy sources instead of being burned in the fields. Sustainable livestock farming is being developed through improved animal diets and waste treatment technologies. Dr. Luong Quang Huy emphasized that projects like the One million hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project in the Mekong Delta are being implemented effectively, with an eye toward scaling up climate-resilient agricultural production models.

In forestry, the policy of closing natural forests is maintained and reinforced to protect and develop forests, thereby increasing carbon absorption. Viet Nam is also accelerating natural forest regeneration, new planting, sustainable forest management, and forest certification. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) policy is being improved to create stable finance for forest protection and enhance local community livelihoods. International agreements on emission reduction payments, such as the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA), are being negotiated and implemented to promote participation in the global carbon market.

In Waste Management, Viet Nam is encouraging and gradually mandating source separation of waste to enhance recycling and treatment efficiency. Modern technologies, such as waste-to-energy incineration, are replacing landfilling to reduce methane emissions. The collection, recycling, and reuse of plastic, paper, and metal are being ramped up to cut the volume of waste sent to landfills. Waste-to-energy projects, including biogas production from organic waste and wastewater treatment, are being launched in many localities, alongside the continued refinement of policies like the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection and related decrees.

In Industrial Processes, many businesses have adopted new technologies to reduce direct emissions from production, use alternative materials and fuels to reduce clinker in cement production, and recover and recycle industrial greenhouse gases such as HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and N2O, particularly in the refrigeration and semiconductor industries. Technical standards for low-carbon products and building materials are being finalized to control the use of ozone-depleting substances.

Whole-of-society participation

Beyond the engagement and direction from the Government and state management agencies, businesses, communities, and individuals are also joining forces to act toward the Net Zero goal. The domestic banking sector and businesses are actively investing in green technology and cleaner production processes. They are boosting the use of renewable energy, promoting energy conservation, researching and developing environmentally friendly products, and preparing to participate in the domestic carbon market as well as international climate initiatives and agreements. Many businesses have launched power-saving programs, installed rooftop solar power, and utilized Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). They are also adopting green supply chain and circular economy models to minimize emissions throughout their production and distribution processes.

The social community plays a crucial role in fulfilling climate commitments. Actions such as raising awareness, educating the public on green lifestyles, changing consumption behaviors, reducing waste, and prioritizing sustainable products are practical steps that contribute to reducing GHG emissions. Furthermore, movements for tree planting, recycling, energy conservation, and citizen participation in forest protection, nature conservation, and ecosystem restoration are gaining significant momentum, building a solid social foundation for Viet Nam's journey toward the Net Zero objective.