Seminar on climate and energy raises voice of frontline community, corporate sector and scientific community in sustainable development
100% Renewable Energy message at the seminar
CHANGE/350.org Vietnam and the Vietnam Sustainable Energy Alliance (VSEA) hosted a seminar “Power shift: change to tackle climate change” on 27 April in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The seminar aimed at promoting voice of the community in ensuring sustainable development of the country, raising awareness about the connection between energy development and climate change and other environmental and social issues, and suggesting practical and feasible solutions in the country’s contexts.
Aviva Imhof of the European Climate Fund speaks about coal and climate change.
The seminar was attended by over 120 participants, including representatives from the Southwest Region Steering Committee, HCMC Department of Natural Resources and Environment, HCMC Climate Change Bureau, and other government agencies; representatives from the US, French and Canadian consulates; representatives from international and Vietnamese NGOs; journalists; representatives from investment funds and renewable energy (RE) companies; scientists and experts from Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and various universities; and members from climate change affected communities.
Frontline community from Ben Tre and Binh Thuan Province complain about their own struggling from the worst drought and salinization in 90 years.
During 4.5 hours of the seminar, presentations and discussions revolved around a series of topics: Climate change and its impacts in Vietnam; Impacts of coal-fired power plants on the environment, society and sustainable development of Vietnam in relationship to reducing carbon emission and mitigating climate change; Revisions of the 7th Power Development Plan; Future of RE applications in Vietnam: challenges and solutions.
Frontline community from Ben Tre and Binh Thuan Province complain about their own struggling from the worst drought and salinization in 90 years
Speakers and specialists from international NGOs shared about the post-COP21 commitment by the government leaders worldwide in cutting down greenhouse gases emissions, to keep temperature increases to well below 2 degrees celsius. In order to reach this target, the global electricity sector needs to be decarbonized by 2050. Vietnam is a part of the Vulnerable Countries Forum which has committed to keeping temperature increases to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, Vietnam is heading toward the opposite direction of the global trend in terms of energy development, being the world’s thirst largest builder of coal power plants. The country is planning to have a total 55GW of coal-fired generating capacity by 2030, and coal power will make up to 53% of the total power production, despite the abundant RE potentials, particularly solar and wind.
Exhibition corner on coal pollution
In addition to the discussions on energy, speakers at the seminar brought out the latest updates on the climate change situation in Vietnam, including the record drought and salinization in Central and Southern Vietnam in the last three months, causing severe consequences on the community and the local economy. Coming from Ben Tre Province, Mr Pham Thanh Trung spoke at the seminar: “My homeland in Ben Tre is suffering from the worst drought and salinization for decades. It has made me feel concerned about climate change, which we have usually heard of. Climate change is not a future threat, it is happening right now, and impacting our own livelihood. I just got information that new coal-fired power plants will be built in Mekong Delta, which will even worsen the air pollution and climate change. I am really worried now.”
Exhibition corner on coal pollution
Sharing concerns over the same issues, representatives from both governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientists and investors, brought out suggestions for sustainable energy solutions for Vietnam. Increased awareness of the community and media, the engagement of the scientific community and corporate sector, and the proper attention of the government leaders, will be key in achieving sustainable energy future for Vietnam. In the coming period, CHANGE/350.org Vietnam will continue its creative awareness raising campaigns, and activities to support climate impacted communities, to join hands with VSEA and its partners in reaching even farther goals in policy commitment and community capacity building.
Within the framework of the “Contribution to the effort in promoting sustainable alternatives to coal power in Vietnam power mix” project by VSEA, the seminar aimed to get more attention of the community and policy makers about coal power issue in Vietnam.
Visit the site www.changevn.org, and www.facebook.com/vietnam350 for more information and updates on the coming activities of CHANGE/350.org Vietnam.