Climate change affects more than 74% of Vietnam's population
Vietnam is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Climate vulnerability affects more than 74% of Vietnam's population. In which, there are families who lost their homes due to storms and floods, children whose health deteriorated in the early stages of life due to exposure to air pollution, people who cannot avoid being affected by environmental hazards.
International workshop "The impact of climate change on the enjoyment of rights of vulnerable groups"
On July 29, 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) jointly organized an international workshop on "The impact of climate change on the enjoyment of the rights of vulnerable groups": Sharing experiences and good practices”.
At the workshop, Mrs. Pauline Tamesis - Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Vietnam said that Vietnam is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change and natural disasters. The impacts are severe as the loss is 3.2% of GDP in 2020. It is estimated that climate change could reduce GDP of 3.5% by 2050.
In addition to the losses to the economy leading to a slowdown in growth, Vietnam must take into account those whose lives and livelihoods are most affected by extreme weather events, increasingly high temperatures and high warming temperatures and sea level rise.
Climate vulnerability affects more than 74% of Vietnam's population. In which, there are families who have lost their homes due to storms and floods, children whose health deteriorates early in life due to exposure to air pollution, and women and girls who face a greater risk of domestic violence increased in the context of crises and natural disasters, who are inevitably impacted by climate hazards.
According to Mrs. Pauline Tamesis, promoting climate action is promoting human rights, so a human rights-based approach must be at the heart of the solution.
“Vietnam is well on its way to achieving the ambitious goals of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and phasing out coal by the 2040s. I would like to affirm that the United Nations in Vietnam will cooperate closely with the Government and development partners to ensure that Vietnam's climate and energy transition actions are inclusive and equitable, based on the rule of law,” said Mrs. Pauline Tamesis.
Sharing at the workshop, Mrs. Kanni Wignaraja - United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia - Pacific also affirmed that UNDP committed to supporting the Government of Vietnam in ensuring the political planning process to adapt and respond to climate change and environmental policies in line with human rights standards.
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