Vietnam’s Mekong Delta may be submerged by 2100: scientists
Nearly the entire Mekong Delta region of Vietnam – an area that makes up 50 percent of the national rice output, 65 percent of seafood, and 70 percent of fruit – could sink underwater by the year 2100, scientists from the Netherlands’ Utrecht University have warned.
Seawater attacks dyke in Kien Giang (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Nearly the entire Mekong Delta region of Vietnam – an area that makes up 50 percent of the national rice output, 65 percent of seafood, and 70 percent of fruit – could sink underwater by the year 2100, scientists from the Netherlands’ Utrecht University have warned.
The scientists created a delta-wide numerical model and use that as the basis of future predictions. They found that the heavy extraction of groundwater, when combined with the rate of sea-level increase due to climate change that is occurring quicker than forecast, is causing significant land subsidence and could result in the submergence of the entire delta in the future.
Philip Minderhoud, a subsurface and groundwater systems researcher at Utrecht University who led the study, said groundwater extraction was one of the most important in a raft of factors causing the delta to sink on average by about 1cm per year.
In addition, the sea level is rising at a rate of about 3 to 4mm per year.
The Mekong Delta has many opportunities for development, but also faces a number of challenges, especially in climate change and rising sea levels.
Facing this situation, the Vietnamese Government has issued a decree regulating restrictions on the exploitation of groundwater in freshwater areas in the region. Relevant agencies are also drafting policies to cope with factors that erode the delta’s land.
Vietnam is scheduled to hold a forum on sustainable Mekong Delta development in response to climate change this year.
The delta makes up 12 percent of the nation’s total land surface area and 19 percent of its population. The region features a dense network of rivers and canals, holding strengths in agriculture development, food industry, tourism, and renewable energy.
The delta is the biggest agriculture production centre in Vietnam with 95 percent of rice and 60 percent of fish for exports.
This is also a favourable place for trade exchanges with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). –VNA
You should also see
Hanoi ceremony celebrates 70th anniversary of Geneva Agreement
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony in Hanoi on April 25 to mark 70 years since the signing of the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam - an important milestone in the struggle for national liberation of the Vietnamese people and a great victory of the Vietnamese diplomatic sector.
See more
Environment
Vietnam supports global agreement on plastic pollution
A delegation of Vietnamese negotiators joined those from 176 countries worldwide at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on plastic waste in Ottawa, Canada, on April 23.
Environment
Consultation workshop on Cambodia’s Funan-Techo canal held in Can Tho
The Vietnam National Mekong Committee (VNMC) on April 23 held a consultation workshop on Cambodia’s proposed Funan-Techo canal project which has raised concerns about potential impacts on the Mekong river.
Environment
Up to 1,000 ban flowers planted at Dien Bien Phu battlefield relic sites
About 1,000 ban (Bauhinia variegate) flower trees were planted at relic sites such as A1 Hill, Him Lam resistance centre and De Castries Bunker at Dien Bien Phu battlefield relic complex in the northern province of Dien Bien on April 21.
Environment
Vietnam acts to combat white pollution
The Vietnamese Government has issued a lot of policies, participated in various forums, and promoted international cooperation, demonstrating its activeness and affirming its determination to reduce plastic waste and join global efforts toward a planet without white pollution.
Environment
Can Tho explores climate change cooperation with foreign countries
Leaders of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on April 17 met with a visiting delegation from the Embassies of Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland to discuss issues related to erosion, climate change, migration, and the city's current needs for support and cooperation.
