The global climate change is forecast to seriously affect the Ho Chi Minh City’s development by 2050 if no proper action is taken soon, said Nguyen Van Phuoc, deputy director of the city’s Department and Natural Resources and Environment on December 2.
Mr.Phuoc spoke at a conference named “Environmental Protection for Urban and Industrial Zone in adaption to Climate Change”, jointly held by the city’s Department and Natural Resources and Environment and Vietnam National University, HCMC, to seek solutions to cope with the impacts of climate change in the city.
The city is among ten cities in the world suffering the most serious results of global climate change.
To date, 154 communes and wards in the city can often become flooded and the number may increase to 177 by 2050, holding 65 percent of the city, he said.
He also said that if sea levels rise by 75 centimetres, an area of 204 square kilometres will be inundated and 472 square kilometres will be inundated once sea levels rise by 100 centimetres.
To cope with the situation, scientists said that the city needs to implement measures to protect environment such as waste disposal, especially solid waste.
The city needs to focus on preventing sewage from industrial zones as well.
The city also needs to strengthen international cooperation to build climate change adaption measures.
Climate change is more rapid than previously anticipated, with potentially severe effects on HCM City. But there is still time to develop appropriate solutions and to adapt. Therefore, all sectors and areas will have to consider the impact of climate change in their development plans, according to the city’s Department and Natural Resources and Environment.
