Vietnamese scientists want climate plans changed

VietnamNet Bridge: Many scientists of southern cities and provinces have called for a new approach to climate change adaptation that would be tailored to each specific region.  Commenting on a draft proposal by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), participants at a conference held in HCM City said it [the draft] should be revised.

The MRC is the inter-governmental body responsible for cooperation on the sustainable management of the Mekong Basin whose members include Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam.  The conference, held by MENR and the Central Committee for Publicity and Education on Coping with Climate Change and Resource Conservation, was also attended by leaders of southern localities stretching from Da Nang to Ca Mau.

Dr Duong Van Ni of Can Tho University said that different approaches were needed for each locality because the impact of climate change varied from area to area within the country.

"The risks from climate change include higher sea levels. But the upper part of the Mekong River is also affected, which means the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta needs a clear strategy to have reserves of fresh water," he said. "Water volume from the upper to the lower part has changed dramatically in recent years due to climate change and changes made in the upper basin. This could lead to a major water shortage in the next 20 years," Ni added...