Brian Jeffrey
During the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính announced that Việt Nam aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, placing the nation in a leading position in the fight against climate change.
In contrast, major emitters like Brazil, India, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and Russia have not pledged to attain net-zero emissions by 2050. This creates a significant challenge for Việt Nam, which ranks among the top 20 carbon-emitting nations, contributing 1% of global emissions.
Despite efforts by the government and local authorities to lower carbon emissions in recent years, many industries still struggle to meet required reductions.
The government’s Decree 06 from 2022 outlines measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the ozone layer. This year’s Prime Minister’s Decision 13 identifies sectors and facilities obligated to report their greenhouse gas emissions and conduct inventories.
By March 2025, 2,166 businesses must submit their emissions reports and outline their plans for reduction.
However, Dr. Nguyễn Đình Thọ, director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, noted that only about 10% of these businesses are prepared to report. “These companies are primarily in steel, cement, and thermal power generation sectors, which the Ministry is urging to comply with reporting deadlines,” he stated.
| Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyễn Đình Thọ, director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment. — Photo vneconomy.vn |
The year 2025 is critical, as countries must update their emissions reduction targets for nationally determined contributions (NDCs), according to Thọ.
NDCs represent the promises made by countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in the Paris Agreement adopted at COP21 in 2015.
Việt Nam presented its initial NDC in 2015. The first update was in 2020 when the country committed to reducing emissions by 27% with international support and 9% independently. The second update in 2022 raised the commitment to a 43.5% reduction with international assistance and 15.85% without it.
“The next update in 2025 could be a tough challenge for Việt Nam,” Thọ mentioned. “Progress toward a net-zero goal will require focusing on the biggest emitting sectors.”
Currently, the largest emission source in Việt Nam is the food production system, contributing 33% of emissions, primarily due to packaging production, plastic use in food packaging, and traditional agricultural practices. Other significant sectors include construction, transport, and textile manufacturing.
Efforts have been made by government agencies to reduce emissions across these sectors, as noted by Thọ.
The Ministry of Construction is developing standards for sustainable cities and buildings. The Ministry of Transport is promoting public transportation and shifting from coal-powered vehicles to renewable energy options. Textile manufacturing is a key focus within the national circular economy action plan.
As an agricultural nation, Việt Nam has initiated various carbon absorption projects, although they lack support compared to technology-driven emissions reduction projects, according to Thọ.
Under Decree 06 from 2022, businesses in the mandatory carbon credit market can utilize credits to offset their emissions cap, provided that excess emissions do not surpass 10% of the total allocation.
“Businesses need to emphasize emissions reductions by adopting new production technologies and clean energy sources,” Thọ concluded. — VNS
