VietNamNet Bridge – Environmental experts outlined the potential climate change and sea level rise scenarios for Vietnam in 2015 at a symposium in Hanoi on August 23.

They stressed Vietnam is one of several coastal countries severely affected by these two climatic patterns

The country is currently implementing a range of national programmes in the hopes of ameliorating their effects, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and its acceptance of its share of global climate responsibility.

Centre for Meteorology and Climatology Director Dr. Hoang Duc Cuong said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) fifth draft report warns climate change is progressing more rapidly than predictions originally suggested.

He noted green house gas concentrations have leaped 40% higher than pre-industrial era levels in only the past six years.

The earth’s average surface temperature has also risen sharply, particularly in polar regions, and global rainfall totals betray dramatic divergences from previous trends.

The same situation is clearly seen in Vietnam, he concluded.

Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Environment (IMHEN) Head Professor Tran Thuc said the symposium provides scientific bases for ministries, agencies, and localities to update their climate change and sea level rise responses ahead of the IPCC releasing its fifth Assessment Report (AR5).

Source: VOV