Viet Nam to reduce urban emissions to achieve Net Zero

Cities contribute 70% of global CO₂ emissions

According to Mr. Nguyen Sy Linh, Head of the Department of Climate Change at the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment (ISPAE), urban areas and the process of urbanization have and will become major sources of emissions worldwide. Although urban areas occupy less than one-third of the Earth’s surface, they contribute about 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In Viet Nam, urban areas currently contribute approximately 45–50% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making them key areas for emission control in the pathway toward achieving the Net Zero target. The rapid urbanization process has also led to rising emissions.

Mr. Nguyen Sy Linh assessed that without effective controls, urban emissions will continue to increase and become a major barrier to global climate goals. However, if cities successfully transition to green and low-carbon development models, they could serve as a critical "lever," helping the world move closer to its anti-climate change objectives.

6 priority sectors

Viet Nam's major cities, such as Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, are implementing many programs to reduce emissions and improve environmental quality, moving toward sustainable development. Mr. Nguyen Sy Linh identified six priority sectors that can help curb urban emissions.

First is the development of green transport systems. Modern, smart, and environmentally friendly public transport, such as metro lines, BRT, and electric buses, can significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles—one of the major sources of urban emissions. In addition, encouraging the use of electric vehicles and bicycles, expanding pedestrian spaces, and implementing restrictions on private vehicles in central areas will help ease congestion, cut fossil fuel consumption, and improve air quality.

Second, energy efficiency and the development of green buildings are key directions. Applying green building standards, increasing the use of energy-saving materials, and developing renewable energy and smart energy management systems can substantially reduce electricity consumption in residential, commercial, and service areas, which is the major contributor to emissions.

Another foundational factor is low-emission urban planning. This solution includes promoting compact urban development and limiting rampant expansion; integrating emission reduction objectives into spatial planning; increasing green spaces and water surface area; and calculating climate risk factors right from the planning stage. This approach not only reduces emissions but also enhances urban resilience to natural disasters and climate change.

Improving the efficiency of urban waste management also plays an important role. Reducing reliance on landfilling, strengthening classification at source, recycling, and reuse, and applying advanced waste treatment technologies will help limit methane emissions. Developing circular economy models in urban areas is a sustainable solution that both cuts emissions and improves resource efficiency.

In particular, the application of digital technologies in urban management is becoming an inevitable trend. Smart urban data systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), environmental sensors, and Intelligent Operations Centers (IOC) enable real-time monitoring of traffic, energy use, and air quality, thereby optimizing operations and effectively reducing emissions.

Finally, the success of emission reduction efforts largely depends on the participation of communities and businesses. Raising public awareness, promoting green lifestyles, ensuring transparency in emission data, encouraging green investment, and establishing appropriate financial mechanisms will create strong motivation for urban areas to transition toward low-carbon development.