Storm season to start early in 2018

Storms and tropical depressions are expected to arrive in the East Sea early in 2018, with a high chance of a storm forming in the south of the East Sea in mid February
Storm season to start early in 2018 ảnh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Storms and tropical depressionsare expected to arrive in the East Sea early in 2018, with a high chance of astorm forming in the south of the East Sea in mid February, said Hoang DucCuong, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorology Forecasting(NCHMF).

Thunderstorm, lightning, whirlwind, and hail are predictedto occur nationwide in April and May, particularly in the north, CentralHighlands, and south regions.

The average temperature in February, March and April isforecast to stay around that of the same period of many years, with strong coldwaves to continue in the north in the second half of February but less intenseand for shorter duration. Meanwhile, heat waves are expected to come late.

From March to April, rainfall in the north will be 10-30percent lower than the average of the same period of many years, while thecentral region will see about the same rainfall as that of the same period ofmany years.

March will be the dry season in the Central Highlands andthe south, however, the south will possibly see out-of-season rains, therefore,the rainfall in March will be higher than average, and increase by 15-30percent compared with the average in April and May.

The water levels on rivers in the north, such as Da, Thao,Lo, Red rivers, will fall between 5-30 percent in the March – May period, withthe lowest level of 0.3 – 0.4 metres possibly recorded on the Red River inHanoi in March.

Droughts and water shortage on small scale are predicted forthe south central region and Central Highlands.
The water level on the upper source of Mekong River will besimilar to that of the same period in 2017. Salt intrusion in the south will belower than average and similar to that of the same period in 2017.- VNA
VNA

See more

Construction workers reinforce steel and pour concrete to cover the underground drainage channel, helping collect rainwater and tackle flooding in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

A new “shield” against climate change

Smart urban areas are no longer simply about technology; they are becoming a tool that enables authorities to forecast risks, adapt quickly and protect their residents.

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.