Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính speaking at the meeting. —VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam needs a strategy to transition to green and renewable energy in response to climate change that contributes to economic development and fulfils international commitments, said Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. 

He made the statement yesterday while chairing the third meeting of the national steering committee for implementing Việt Nam's commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

At the COP26, Việt Nam committed to developing and implementing strong emissions reduction measures to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

PM Chính said achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is the inevitable development goal of the world through strong energy transition and low-emission development. This is also a new global requirement regarding trade and investment set after the COP26.

PM Chính said that the commitments should be implemented under a scientific and result-oriented roadmap, which needs to set monthly, quarterly and five-year targets.

Regarding tasks for the future, ministries and agencies should revamp their leadership and management to better supervise the implementation of the commitments, and remove obstacles to the work, the PM noted.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is requested to promptly complete and submit to the Government a master plan on tasks and solutions to implement the results of the COP26. Based on dossiers submitted by the ministry, the Government Office will review and report to the PM to approve the national strategy on climate change adaptation by 2050 and the action plan on methane emission reduction by 2030.

The Ministry of Science and Technology is entrusted to propose policies to encourage the development of green technology and renewable energy. 

The PM agreed with the plan to organise a cooperation dialogue with development partners about the implementation of goals of net-zero emissions and energy transition. 

The PM asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to complete the plan to realise the declaration to transit from coal-fired to renewable energy.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Government Office is entrusted with with gathering reports and opinions on the current shortcomings to submit to the Government. This will all for current regulations to be adjusted, creating conditions for renewable energy development.

The Government leader instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to conduct a survey and evaluate wind power potential across the country.

PM Chính noted that ministries, agencies and localities need to continue reviewing and proposing solutions to help promptly tackle shortcomings and difficulties in climate change adaptation and renewable energy growth.

The focus should be made on reviewing related mechanisms and policies, mobilising all legal financial resources, innovating science and technology and improving human resources quality. 

One of the important goals is to develop the energy transition industry, study energy technology and promote the manufacturing of made-in-Vietnam equipment, he said.  

To realise commitments at COP26, PM Chính said it is necessary to acknowledge that climate change adaptation and net-zero emissions are opportunities for sustainable development and get priority in development policies. 

Climate change adaptation must be carried out based on equality and be the responsibility and obligation of the whole political system and society.

At the meeting, the participants reviewed what have been done since the previous meeting, and looked into a draft project on organising a conference with international organisations and development partners to discuss cooperation in achieving the net-zero emission targets.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that right after the COP26, Việt Nam actively and proactively took measures to implement its commitments.

Following the PM's directions at the second meeting five months ago, ministries, agencies and localities focused on building a draft plan to implement the results of the COP26, a national strategy on climate change adaptation by 2050, a national action plan on green growth by 2021-2030 and an action plan on methane emission reduction by 2030.

Some ministries, including ministries of Industry and Trade, Transport, Construction and Foreign Affairs, have built their action plans to realise Việt Nam's commitments at COP26.

Information dissemination has been strengthened to raise awareness of the whole political system and the public about climate change.

The State Bank of Việt Nam said many partners have expressed interest in supporting sustainable and green development in Việt Nam. — VNS