Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Rajendra Pachauri promised to stand side by side with Vietnam in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change while meeting Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Hanoi on January 21.

He underlined that if nothing is done about the current emission level, the sea level could rise by 98 cm by 2100, while even a rise of half that level already brings severe consequences for many countries, including Vietnam.

The PM told Pachauri that Vietnam considers the response to climate change, rising sea level and natural disasters as crucial to its path of sustainable development.

The country established a National Steering Committee on Climate Change led by the PM and an advisory council to update the government on global reports and offer recommendations on coping measures over short and long terms.

Vietnam will do its best and join efforts with global community to cope with the changing climate, he said.

Besides making its own efforts, Vietnam is keen to receive more effective assistance from the UN, foreign donors and scientists, including sharing studies, and offering recommendations and funding for relevant projects, the leader added.

At the same time, he hailed the effective support that the UN has given to Vietnam in many areas, including climate change response.-VNA