A green Vietnam is a priceless heritage

Wind power in Ninh Thuan. (Photo: VU ANH)

The dream of a green Vietnam is a dream of a country that knows how to cherish and protect the invaluable resources that nature has generously bestowed. It is a dream of a bright future, where children grow up in a peaceful and beautiful environment that our ancestors dedicated their lives to nurturing and preserving. The people living in this era have the opportunity and responsibility to lay the foundation for a green and sustainable Vietnam, so that future generations will not only inherit but also develop the enduring values we have created.

In recent years, Vietnam has achieved significant accomplishments in environmental protection and promoting sustainable development. Efforts from the government, businesses, and communities have made positive strides, gradually shaping a green Vietnam for the future.

Vietnam has become one of the leading countries in Southeast Asia in the development of renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy. In recent years, many solar and wind power farms have been built, especially in the provinces of Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan and the Central Highlands, helping Vietnam achieve a high capacity in renewable energy. The government has also committed to continuing investment and encouraging clean energy projects to minimise emissions and protect the environment.

With the programme to green barren lands and the campaign to plant one billion trees, Vietnam has achieved positive results. The northern mountainous regions and the Central Highlands are actively planting trees and protecting headwater forests to mitigate the impact of climate change and natural disasters. The participation of businesses and citizens in these campaigns has created a strong movement, bringing long-term results in environmental protection.

Vietnam has implemented numerous programmes to reduce plastic waste, particularly ocean plastic waste. The government has pledged to cut down on single-use plastics and launched projects to encourage communities and businesses to switch to environmentally friendly products. Major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have actively urged residents to limit the use of plastic bags, introduced systems for collecting and recycling plastic waste, and contributed to alleviating environmental pressures.

Many major cities in Vietnam are striving to build green and sustainable urban areas. Notable examples include projects to develop parks, green streets, and public green spaces in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. These spaces not only provide better living environments for residents but also help reduce air pollution and enhance urban living quality.

At the COP26 Summit, Vietnam pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is a bold commitment to mitigating the effects of global climate change, reflecting Vietnam’s determination to be an active member of the international community in environmental protection.

These achievements and efforts provide vivid evidence that Vietnam is on the path of sustainable development, building a healthy living environment for its people. This forms a crucial foundation for turning the dream of a green Vietnam into reality, not only for the present population but also for future generations.

Communities and younger generations play a pivotal role in the journey toward a greener Vietnam. Positive changes in awareness and actions by individuals and groups from various sectors have created a powerful wave driving environmental protection and sustainable development.

Small actions, such as sorting waste, reducing plastic use, utilising public transportation, and planting trees, have a significant impact when embraced collectively. Campaigns like "Say No to Plastic Bags" and "Green Saturday" have made positive contributions, helping to spread environmental consciousness to every individual in society.

Vietnam’s younger generation not only has a clear sense of responsibility for the environment but also actively seeks innovative solutions to promote sustainable living. Many young people have initiated creative projects such as "Living Green" and developing recycled products, organic goods, and clean energy innovations. Their creativity and enthusiasm have brought fresh momentum to environmental solutions, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

Despite its many achievements, Vietnam still faces significant challenges on its journey to realising the dream of a green Vietnam. Rapid industrial development and urbanisation exert tremendous pressure on the environment. Issues such as plastic waste, water pollution, and air pollution require urgent solutions.

Water resources in many regions are severely impacted by climate change. This is especially true in the Mekong Delta, with saltwater intrusion and freshwater shortages affecting livelihoods and food security in this critical area.

Although progress has been made in renewable energy, much of Vietnam's energy demand is still reliant on coal and fossil fuels. This dependence contributes to increased CO₂ emissions, posing a challenge to the country's sustainability goals.

Although environmental awareness has improved, many people still lack a deep understanding of the issue's importance. Habits such as littering, overusing plastic bags, and being unaware of energy conservation persist in the community, thus creating challenges in implementing environmental protection policies.

To address these challenges, the first priority is to raise public awareness and foster a green living culture. Education and outreach are key factors in helping communities understand the significance of environmental protection. Strengthening educational programmes in schools, encouraging green practices, and integrating sustainable principles into daily life are essential steps. Building a culture of green living within communities will bring about long-term positive changes.

Secondly, strengthening investment in renewable energy is crucial. Transitioning to clean energy sources is essential towards reducing emissions and ensuring energy security. The government should create mechanisms to encourage investment in renewable energy, such as solar power, wind power, and biomass energy.

Thirdly, improving waste management and recycling systems is key. To tackle waste issues, the collection, sorting, and recycling processes must be made more efficient. The development of modern waste treatment technologies and the enhancement of policies that encourage individuals and businesses to participate in sorting and recycling are necessary steps, while stronger regulations to limit single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly products are also critical.

Fourthly, management and protection of water resources must be prioritised. Sustainable water resource management measures are needed, including protecting freshwater sources, improving irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable farming models. Investment in water protection infrastructure and mitigating the effects of saltwater intrusion are essential to ensure water security and improve livelihoods in severely affected regions.

Fifthly, it is essential to strengthen international cooperation and adhere to environmental commitments. International cooperation in the environmental sector will enable Vietnam to learn from the experiences and advanced technologies of developed countries. Simultaneously, it is crucial to seriously uphold international environmental commitments, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, to meet long-term environmental and development goals.

Sixthly, promoting research and innovation in environmental protection is key. Innovation plays a pivotal role in discovering sustainable and green solutions. Policies should encourage businesses, scientists, and the younger generation to research and apply technologies to environmental protection as well as develop eco-friendly products and production processes.

These efforts require collective action and dedication from all sectors of society. When individuals, organisations, and the government unite toward a shared goal, the dream of a green Vietnam will undoubtedly become a reality.

As the new year begins, the vision of a green Vietnam becomes clearer and more passionate than ever. Every Vietnamese citizen, from urban centres to rural areas, is increasingly aware of the responsibility to protect the environment, ready to make changes starting from the smallest daily actions to collectively build a green and beautiful nation.

It is hoped that the new year will bring unity, determination, and strong actions among all Vietnamese people, striving for a future where Vietnam is not only a developed nation but also a model of harmony with nature. This year marks the beginning of a journey toward building a green Vietnam — a beautiful and invaluable legacy for future generations.