Continuous storms: High demand for climate human resources, recruitment still difficult

With the continuous occurrence of storms, floods and extreme climate changes in recent years, meteorological and hydrological forecasting has received more attention than ever. In this context, training high-quality human resources in this industry is becoming an urgent requirement, not only to prevent natural disasters, but also to serve socio-economic development and ensure national security.

Frontline community protection

According to Dr. Can Thu Van, Head of the Department of Meteorology, Hydrology and Water Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, hydrometeorological forecasting has long been identified by the Government as an important task, directly related to social security and sustainable development. In the context of increasingly complex storms and climate change, forecasting is not only a technical aspect but also an important scientific basis for policy making on agriculture , energy, urban areas, disaster prevention and water resources management.

The work of a hydrometeorological officer ranges from field surveys and observations, operating radar systems, satellites, and automatic measuring stations; to data analysis, building models to forecast storms, heavy rains, floods, droughts, saltwater intrusion, or coastal erosion...

Student internship visit to Phu Quoc Meteorological Station

PHOTO: NVCC

The information provided by this team is the basis for the Government, ministries and localities to make decisions on response, production management and ensure the safety of people's lives and property. It can be said that people working in the field of meteorology and hydrology are not only scientists and technicians, but also the frontline force protecting the community, contributing to the sustainable development of the country in the context of climate change.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chien, a former student of hydrology, currently working at the Institute of Water Resources and Environment Research, University of Water Resources, shared that after 5 years of working, he sees that this industry plays an extremely important role in most economic and social fields, especially when the situation of climate change is increasingly complicated.

Truong Ngoc Vy, a fourth-year student majoring in meteorology and climatology at the University of Natural Resources and Environment, Ho Chi Minh City, said that her passion for watching weather forecasts since she was a child and her curiosity about how people “predict rain and sunshine” inspired her to learn more. When she saw that Vietnam was often affected by storms and floods, Vy decided to choose the major not only because it was interesting but also because she wanted to help the community.

“Every time I see big storms or prolonged rains causing floods, I feel that my profession is very important. Early and accurate forecasting can help people prepare better and limit damage,” Vy shared.

"Thirsty" for human resources, recruitment is still difficult

According to Dr. Van, there is an alarming paradox in reality: the demand for human resources in the field of meteorology, hydrology, and climate change in Vietnam is huge, but the supply is scarce. The whole country currently has about 2,740 staff working in this field, but the distribution is uneven, especially in the southern region, where both quantity and qualifications are limited.

“The southern human resources are mainly concentrated in specialized institutes and branches in Ho Chi Minh City and more than 300 meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic stations located in 9 provinces and cities. All provinces have specialized departments on meteorology, hydrology and climate change, but most of the staff are part-time and do not have specialized training in meteorology, hydrology and climate change,” Dr. Van added.

After working for a while, Mr. Nguyen Van Chien said that the hydrometeorology industry is currently in great need of human resources. "Even my unit is still lacking human resources for this industry and has not been able to recruit them," Mr. Chien informed.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chien (sitting in the middle) during a field survey

PHOTO: NVCC

Dr. Van said that in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment is one of the few schools that offers training in meteorology and hydrology. Currently, the Faculty of Meteorology, Hydrology and Water Resources of the school offers training in four majors: meteorology and climatology, hydrology, climate change and water resources management.

In addition, some other training institutions also have majors or majors related to meteorology, climate and environment. In the north, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment is also training at master's and university levels in meteorology, climatology, and hydrology. Hanoi University of Natural Sciences (Hanoi National University) also has majors in meteorology - climatology, oceanography, water resources and environment. Thuyloi University is opening training majors related to hydrology, water resources, disaster prevention, etc.

According to Dr. Can Thu Van, the school’s enrollment has faced many challenges. In recent years, the enrollment situation for the meteorology and hydrology major has decreased significantly, with the number of applicants being few and irregular.

The reason is that the field of study is highly specialized, not popular, and not really attractive to Gen Z. Parents and students also do not understand the role of the field. "However, in the past 1-2 years, the number of candidates registering has increased, which shows that understanding of the profession and the role of meteorology and hydrology in society has become known to many people," said Dr. Van.

In fact, after graduation, students are not only limited to weather forecasting work but have many directions: working at specialized agencies performing meteorological and hydrological work under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, research institutes, universities, local departments, airports, seaports; working at private enterprises...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mua-bao-don-dap-nhu-cau-cao-nhan-luc-ve-khi-hau-tuyen-sinh-van-kho-185251002224158052.htm