The far-reaching effects of climate change are evident: oceans are becoming more acidic, water supplies are shrinking, agricultural yields are dropping, and forests are burning. But, there is still time to avoid the most severe consequences of climate change, by moving away from fossil fuels to a low carbon economy powered by renewable energy. WWF’s Global Goal: A global shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient future is achieved.

Viet Nam is highly vulnerable to climate change, ranking eighth in the Global Climate Risk Index. Despite commitments to reduce GHG emissions, current commitments for the energy sector are relatively low. While most households have access to electricity and other energy sources, deployment of renewable energy (not including hydro-power) remains limited compared with potential. Currently, the country’s deployment of wind or solar PV power generation is only 160 MW of installed wind power and solar PV capacity. Given the challenges faced and significant potential, a socially equitable transition to a sustainable energy sector is critical.

WWF-Viet Nam is promoting for a just transition to a climate resilience and low carbon future for people and nature contributing to global cooperation to limit warming to 1.5oC with the following targets:

• Mitigation: Influence for a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of Viet Nam in line with Paris Agreement Mitigation Goal
• Energy: Promote for renewable energy at least 52% of total electricity production in Viet Nam, supported by at least a 30% improvement in energy efficiency.
• Adaptation: Advocate for Viet Nam National Adaptation Plan (NAPs) implemented into WWF priorities landscapes that builds social-ecological resilience to climate risk and impacts.

In the Mekong Delta, one of two WWF Viet Nam’s priority landscapes, WWF is promoting Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) solutions as a credible and valid alternative to usual hard or grey engineered options. EbA is using biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall strategy that can conciliate social and economic needs of the local communities. WWF is creating a strong enabling environment for EbA implementation by developing technical tools and policy framework that provide guidance on designing, implementing and mainstreaming EbA into policies and planning processes.