At the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris late last year, EU member states pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2030 compared to the levels in 1990 and work towards developing low-carbon economies, said Bruno Angelet, ambassador and head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam.

 

Vietnam vowed to cut total greenhouse gas emissions by 8% in 2030 at COP 21, he told the news briefing held to introduce the European Union Climate Diplomacy Week which is organized by the delegation from September 19 and 25.

 

EU member states encourage Vietnam to have its commitment ratified, said Angelet. The country can reduce emissions by up to 25% with international support through bilateral and multilateral cooperation forms.

 

Angelet said EU ambassadors to Vietnam will share their experience in building and implementing policies on climate change adaptation. 

 

The EU has got involved in three main activities to help Vietnam adapt to climate change and mitigate its negative impact. The first one is to work with the nation to realize its COP 21 commitment.

 

“We want to help Vietnam turn its pledge into specific action,” Angelet said.

 

In addition, the EU delegation in Vietnam is aiding the Ministry of Planning and Investment to implement the country’s green growth strategy.

 

The EU will collaborate with Vietnam to hold a conference on October 1 to exchange ideas for effectively executing the strategy.

 

The third activity is to cooperate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade in disbursing non-refundable aid worth 350 million euros (US$390.2 million) to improve Vietnam’s energy sector. The objective will focus on rural electrification, efficient use of energy particularly renewable energy, and adjustment of energy supply sources.

 

The European Union Climate Diplomacy Week features a series of events, including film screening, and an online video-sharing competition on social media to find the most excellent practices to tackle climate change.