Vietnam calls for international support in coping with climate change

Bernama (Malaysia): Vietnam's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat called for international support in dealing with the effects of climate change at a meeting to mark World Food Day held in Hanoi on Thursday, Vietnam news agency (VNA) reported. Though being able to ensure food security and exporting 4 million tonnes of rice a year, Vietnam is facing huge challenges as a result of climate change, with the coastal region one of its most vulnerable, Minister Phat said.

Although it occupies only 12 percent of Vietnam's land mass, 23 percent of the country's population reside in the coastal region, which has a high risk of flooding if the sea water level rises by an additional metre. Disruption to food security is a major concern for Vietnam, a country with nearly 70 percent of its population living in rural areas where agriculture is their main source of income, the minister said.

Another challenge Vietnam is facing is the rapid development of the urbanisation and industrialisation process, which entails the use of thousands of hectares of agricultural land, he added….

Hanoi at night, shot by Vinhtantran, Wikimedia Commons