This diary is the first in a short series (of 3 or so diaries) I will write about my trip to Vietnam, which ended today. This particular diary is about Vietnam as a testing ground for the impacts of climate change in the near term. Vietnam is an amazing place, but thanks to climate change, it's strong future is under grave threat.
In a recent study, the UN asserted that Vietnam is one of the five most vulnerable countries in the world should sea levels rise as a result of climate change (http://hdr.undp.org/...). In brief, a mere 1-meter rise in the sea level (the sea is currently rising in the area at 2-3 cm a year) would displace 11% of the population, including virtually the entire Mekong Delta (seen below), a key area both economically and historically:
Note: All pictures were taken by me.
Recent flooding in Hanoi last month showed how climate change may well already be impacting Vietnam. Even in the Old Quarter, which is well protected by the sea wall, crews were still at work repairing the sidewalks destroyed during the November floods. Given that the city already sits just below sea level, this is a real issue.
A rise of 2 meters or more could put the country in grave danger and would almost certainly put much of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the economic capital of Vietnam, under water, most estimates saying 60% or more would be so impacted every year during the rainy season. Given Vietnam's precarious position as a developing but not yet fully developed country (infrastructure is still sporadic outside the major cities, and even to an extent inside), they need everyone's help to meet this challenge.
Adding to these problems is the simple fact that the majority of the impacted areas are among the poorest in the country, so while mitigation in/around Ho Chi Minh City may be possible to some extent, other areas lack the funds to fix these problems. While Vietnam has many self-inflicted environmental problems, such as smog and very poor water quality, their problems are yet another example of why we need to focus on this issue. If we handle it right, Vietnam will be a beacon of peace and prosperity for generations, but if we fail, Lord only knows what will befall such a beautiful country I came to admire while visiting this month (well except when crossing the street, see below for a shot of a typical street scene).
Two of my favorite pictures showing the beauty of Vietnam and of its people.
Halong Bay:
Children in Hanoi: