Any and all plans to boost socio-economic development and ensure defence security of Vietnam must include climate change adaptation efforts.

This urgent and long-term task needs to be carried out synchronously at all levels and by all social communities, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stated at the sixth meeting of the National Committee on Climate Change in Hanoi on March 3.

The meeting was held to accelerate the implementation of the Party Central Committee’s Resolution 24-NQ/TW on responding to climate change and strengthening natural resources management and environmental protection.

The PM stressed the need to raise public awareness of climate change responses. He requested members of the Government and the committee review and update planning in each sector and in each region, especially those most vulnerable to climate change such as the Mekong Delta and coastal regions.

He also asked research institutes to rapidly complete climate change scenarios using advanced scientific studies.

Priority should be given to projects and programmes preventing erosion by planting protective forests, upgrading the sea dyke system, and addressing flooding in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre province and Ca Mau province.

It is necessary to mobilise capital from both society and international organisations to respond to climate change, the leader added.

A report delivered at the meeting showed Vietnam’s climate change policies have improved in recent years. International cooperation in this field has been enhanced and disaster forecasts have improved. However, budgeted funds for initiatives remain limited.

VNA