Science and Technology - Driving Force for Climate Change Adaptation, Resource Management and Environmental Protection

Along with the implementation of resolutions of the Party and Government, science and technology (S&T) has become a strategic step, playing a key role in responding to climate change (CC), resource management and environmental protection - issues of vital importance to the country's sustainable development.

Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW dated June 3, 2013 of the 11th Party Central Committee clearly stated: "Promoting research and application of scientific and technological advances in responding to climate change, resource management and environmental protection". On that basis, the Government concretized it in Resolution No. 08/NQ-CP (dated January 23, 2014), opening a new phase, where science and technology are not only a supporting tool but also the foundation of all decisions and actions to respond to climate change.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has thoroughly grasped that spirit, integrated it into key plans and programs, and issued many mechanisms and policies to promote research and application of technology in related fields.

In agriculture , science and technology have contributed to increasing added value by more than 30%, especially in the production of crop and livestock varieties, helping Vietnamese agriculture adapt better to extreme weather. Risk maps and climate change adaptation plans (CS-Map) deployed in 43 provinces and cities have helped adjust crop schedules, minimizing damage caused by drought and saltwater intrusion, especially in the Mekong Delta.

Solar irrigation model contributes to saving energy, resources and protecting the environment.

In the fields of health and population, scientists have studied the impact of climate change on the health of vulnerable communities, built flood-proof house models, and adaptive eco-villages, helping people live more safely and stably in changing natural conditions.

Flood-proof house model.

In the field of forecasting and monitoring, early warning technologies, hydrometeorological monitoring systems, 2-3 day heavy rain forecast models and 5-day storm forecasting processes have been built and applied, significantly shortening forecasting time, contributing to proactive disaster prevention.

In particular, in the Mekong Delta, the region most heavily affected by climate change and rising sea levels, the application of remote sensing technology, the construction of monitoring networks, and the mapping of surface temperature, humidity, and shoreline changes have become indispensable tools in regional planning and sustainable development.

Implementing Resolution 06/NQ-CP (dated January 24, 2021), the Ministry of Science and Technology has restructured national science and technology programs, including the Research Program for Environmental Protection, Disaster Prevention and Climate Change Response (KC.08/21-30) and the Research Program for Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy (KC.09/21-30).

These programs aim at long-term goals: Providing scientific arguments, developing and transferring advanced technology to exploit and sustainably use natural resources; at the same time promoting green economy, circular economy, and development in harmony with nature.

This is also a fundamental shift in research thinking, from exploitation to restoration of nature, from exploitation of material resources to investment in knowledge and green technology.

Scientists are expected to be pioneers in finding solutions to global challenges: Carbon storage, renewable energy (geothermal, wind, solar), environmentally friendly materials, or exploiting geological potential to replace non-renewable resources, laying the foundation for a low-carbon economy.

For science and technology to truly become the driving force of sustainable development, a comprehensive ecosystem is needed: high-quality human resources, flexible financial mechanisms, and the connection between research - policy - business.

Interdisciplinary training, innovation in research models and technology transfer will help improve practical application. At the same time, socializing science and technology resources and encouraging businesses to invest in green technology, "made in Vietnam", will be the way to turn knowledge into national wealth and strength.

Initial achievements show that science and technology have become the key to opening new directions in resource management, environmental protection and climate change response. However, there are still challenges in mechanisms, data, digital infrastructure and technology transfer that need to be further resolved.

Vietnam’s green future cannot be achieved through commitments alone, but through knowledge, technology and determination to act. When science and technology are at the heart of every development strategy, we will not only respond to climate change but also turn challenges into opportunities, creating a Vietnam that develops sustainably and in harmony with nature.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-dong-luc-cho-thich-ung-bien-doi-khi-hau-quan-ly-tai-nguyen-va-bao-ve-moi-truong-197251104100757472.htm