Environment

HCM City strives for low-carbon development

Many programmes and projects have been issued by Ho Chi Minh City to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change in efforts to develop the southern metropolis into a low-carbon city.
HCM City strives for low-carbon development ảnh 1A view of HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Manyprogrammes and projects have been issued by Ho Chi Minh City to reducegreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change in efforts todevelop the southern metropolis into a low-carbon city.

Of the total GHG emissions in 2022, morethan 60 million tonnes of CO was released in HCM City. The amounts of the PM2.5fine dust and hazardous gases like NO2, SO2, and CO were four to five times higherthan the World Health Organisation standards.

Over 30% of the total emissions camefrom industrial activities such as textile, garment, and metal production. Roadtransport emitted more than 20%, and motorcycles were the biggest source of GHGemissions, according to the Institute for Environment and Resources at the VietnamNational University, HCM City.

Nguyen Thi Thanh My, Deputy Directorof the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said in itsaction plan on climate change response for 2021 - 2023, with a vision to 2050,the city looks to cut down 10% of GHG emissions by 2030 and work towards alow-carbon economy.

To that end, the department hasinstructed establishments and businesses working in the industrial production,transport, energy, agricultural, and waste treatment sectors to calculate and reporttheir emission volumes.

The reporting will help authorities bettermonitor and manage GHG emitting activities and take response measures, she wenton.

The department has also encouragedlocal enterprises to proactively build GHG emission reduction plans and step uptechnology application to waste and wastewater collection and treatment. Manyinitiatives have been carried out and reaped initial results, My noted.

HCM City strives for low-carbon development ảnh 2Workers of the HCM City Power Corporation (EVN HCMC) install solar power panels. (Photo: VNA)
Meanwhile, HCM City is alsoimplementing a project to develop measures for limiting personal vehicles andincreasing the connectivity between them and public transport inorder to encourage public transport use. This project is expected to help reduce44,638 tonnes of CO2 each year, according to Deputy Director of the municipalTransport Department Bui Hoa An.

Transport authorities will pilotcharging stations for electric vehicles to decrease fossil fuel consumption andpromote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, he said, adding that theywill also devise measures for replacing petrol and diesel with clean fuel forbuses.

Up to 56,771 tonnes of CO2 could bereduced annually if clean fuel is used, the Transport Department estimated.

Another GHG reduction measure is to expandurban greenery. HCM City plans to increase the area of parks by at least 150haand public green space by 10ha, which means it will need to plant 10 milliontrees.

In early 2022, the municipal People’s Committee and the World Bank establisheda joint working group that comprises eight technical groups to develop eightprojects serving local development.

Among them, the low-carbon emissiongroup was tasked with making plans and proposals on GHG reduction for 2022 -2025. Basing on its recommendations, the city’s administration will submit suggestionsfor tackling policy obstacles to ministries and central agencies, and attractfinancial and technical support from the World Bank and other partners for low-carbondevelopment efforts./.
VNA
#greenhouse gas #GHG emissions #climate change #low-carbon development #low-carbon economy #public transport #clean fuel #Ho Chi Minh City #updated Vietnam news #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Ho Chi Minh City
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietnam works hard to realise ambitious net zero pledge

Vietnam works hard to realise ambitious net zero pledge

Vietnam has made multi-dimensional efforts to achieve its net zero greenhouse gas emission targets by 2050 as committed at COP26, an official from the Ministry of Construction told a training workshop in Ho Chi Minh City this week.
Carbon market development helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Carbon market development helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions

By developing and operating the domestic carbon market, Vietnam will effectively reduce carbon emissions. This will happen due to the increase in compatibility with international carbon pricing mechanisms, link with international and regional carbon markets, and increase competition among Vietnamese products, according to experts.
HCM City seeks to build low-carbon city

HCM City seeks to build low-carbon city

Ho Chi Minh City is cooperating with the World Bank (WB) to implement a programme called ‘A low-carbon city development’ towards developing a domestic carbon market.

See more

Vietnam is exerting efforts to cope with climate change. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam approves carbon credit pact with Singapore under Paris Agreement

Signed on September 16, 2025, the Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change affirms Vietnam and Singapore’s pioneering role and commitment to close cooperation in the international carbon market, making a substantive contribution to global climate response.

A view of Vo Cuong ward, Bac Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

Bac Ninh earmarks over 1.7 billion USD for environmental protection

By 2030, Bac Ninh aims to ensure that all operating industrial clusters and industrial parks have centralised wastewater treatment systems meeting standards, while at least 95% of wastewater in Grade-I urban areas and 70% in Grade-II urban areas is collected and treated to required standards.

Many inland canals in Can Tho city dries up following a prolonged period of extreme heat. (Photo: VNA)

Government adopts action programme on environmental protection, climate resilience

The programme aims to translate the Party's orientations into concrete actions while strengthening environmental governance, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting a green, circular and low-carbon economy. It will serve as the basis for ministries, sectors and localities to formulate implementation plans for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision to 2045.

Dray Sap Waterfall lies within the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark in Nam Da commune, Lam Dong province. (Photo: VNA)

Lam Dong steps up efforts to retain UNESCO global geopark status

Covering nearly 4,760 square kilometres across 22 communes and wards in western Lam Dong (equivalent to 73.1% of the former Dak Nong province's natural area), the geopark was shaped by millions of years of geological activity and successive volcanic eruptions.

A stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) is handed over to the Cam Lo–Dong Ha forest ranger station in Quang Tri province on January 27, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Rare primate handed over to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

A stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) was handed over to the Centre for Rescue, Conservation, and Development of Creatures under the Management Board of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri province on July 21, for rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild.

Two Red Lories (Eos rubra) found among the 104 wild animals being kept without documentation proving their lawful origin in Phuoc Thanh commune, Tay Ninh province. (Photo published by VNA)

Criminal proceedings launched against case of illegal keeping, trading of 104 wild animals

They recorded a total of 104 wild animals, comprising 92 African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) of various sizes, six Red Lories (Eos rubra) and six Green-cheeked Parakeets (Pyrrhura molinae). Authorities said the animals are subject to management under Vietnam's forestry legal regulations and are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

BUYO Bioplastics' biodegradable plastic products are made from brewer's grains and sugarcane bagasse. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Vietnam urged to shift from plastic waste treatment to full life-cycle management

For years, efforts to tackle plastic pollution in Vietnam have focused mainly on waste collection, recycling and disposal. However, as sustainable development and green trade standards become increasingly important, specialists argued that a broader approach is needed, covering everything from product design and material selection to production, consumption and recycling.

Bang Mo volcano in Lam Dong province (Photo published by VNA)

Lam Dong optimises value of UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark

Alongside conservation, Lam Dong aims to tap the geopark's tourism potential through geological, ecological and community-based tourism. Infrastructure and tourism development projects must ensure that heritage values, landscapes and the natural environment are preserved.

Dr. Dang Trung Phuoc (left) is introducing the history and origin of the Pinhey sand dunes (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Canadian scientist revives forgotten ecosystems

From restoring an ancient sand dune ecosystem in Canada to promoting the conservation of Vietnam's coastal dunes, native forests and ecological corridors, Vietnamese-born scientist Dang Trung Phuoc has remained committed to using science to revive ecosystems long misunderstood or neglected. His quiet but sustained efforts reflect both a scientist's responsibility to the communities he serves and the enduring commitment of a Vietnamese expatriate to his homeland.

Police and military forces work together to rescue people and assist local residents in affected areas. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders proactive response to heavy rainfall in northern mountainous region

To minimise casualties and damage to public and private property, the PM instructed ministries, sectors and local authorities to strictly implement directions issued by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, as well as the Government's directives on strengthening disaster prevention and response in 2026.