VietNamNet Bridge – The Mekong Delta, one of the most vulnerable deltas in the world in regard to climate change, must begin to take urgent measures to deal with the continuing consequences of changing weather patterns, experts at a seminar held yesterday (Oct 27) in Can Tho urged.

Flood water submerged the Ly Hong Thanh Road in the southern city of Can Tho. The Mekong Delta will take urgent measures to deal with changing weather patterns – Photo: VNA/VNS

The seminar on urban planning and climate change adaptation was organised by the Urban Development Department under the Ministry of Construction and Can Tho City's People's Committee in Can Tho City.

As temperatures increase, storms, floods and landslides are occurring more regularly under the impact of global climate change. With such change, creating cities resilient to climate change is critically important.

During the seminar, experts and officials discussed climate-change adaptation in Can Tho City and other areas in the Mekong Delta.

Experts said that unplanned urbanisation would enhance the negative impact of climate change.

Viet Nam is one of five countries and the Mekong Delta one of three deltas in the world most vulnerable to climate change.

Between 2015 and 2030, floods are expected to be a major problem in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta.

Besides landslides and clean water insufficiency, the consequences of drought will affect the economy and people's health as well.

Dao Anh Dung, deputy chairman of Can Tho City's People's Committee, said about 66 per cent of the city was now urban, and the infrastructure had been built under current living standards.

However, pollution and floods had threatened the sustainable development of the city and delta, he added.

During the seminar, 10 reports about climate change and urban zoning in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta were presented.

Source: VNS