Almost all of the forest-based commodities produced in Vietnam are destined for other countries, which through their market requirements and laws, have a growing sway on deforestation-related trends and practices.
Category: Opinion
Damming the Mekong Basin to environmental hell
For starters, by reducing the flow of freshwater and nutrient-rich sediment from the Himalayas into the sea, these mega-dams are causing a retreat of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. The resulting seawater intrusion is forcing rice farmers to switch to shrimp farming or growing reeds.
Lower Sesan II Hydropower Plant protects the environment and provides clean energy in Cambodia
In July, the Fisheries Administration of Cambodia issued a certificate to the Lower Sesan II Hydropower plant in recognition of the company’s achievements in fish protection.
Vietnam could, and should, replicate its solar success in electric mobility
Vietnam may be accelerating solar development and recently scrapped plans for 9.5 GW of coal-fired power in its 2026-30 Power Development Plan, but this promising effort to decarbonize on the supply side has somehow not been adequately replicated on the demand side.
US, Mekong states deepen cooperation under Mekong-US partnership
The US is a long-standing partner of Mekong countries in promoting peace and prosperity in the region. Our enduring partnership was on full display last week when the US and Cambodia co-chaired the second Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP) ministerial meeting – an important regional mechanism for addressing shared challenges and strengthening cooperation.
Addressing climate change in the Mekong-Ganges region
The newfound attention on climate change at the MGC is a recent development, but a necessary one.
A just transition requires a major paradigm shift
While “green” is in vogue today, the next generation must also perceive Thailand’s decarbonisation as transparent and inclusive.
Strengthening climate resilience through better flood management
Under the moderate and severe climate change scenarios, the transboundary flood losses will be 2 to 6 times greater in the Ganga-Brahmaputra and Meghna basin; 1.5 to 5 times in the Indus basin: 1.2 to 2 times in the Mekong basin; and 1.1 to 1.5 times in the Amur basin.
Opinion: Why Vietnam shouldn’t rush into offshore wind auctions
Of particular note, and a key aspect of the GWEC report published last week (22 July), is the concept of a transition to an auction. Markets have seen most success by adopting an upfront policy mechanism that provides stability and guarantees for a set of “frontrunner” offshore wind projects — typically in the order of 3-5GW.
