Climate Change Refugees Imperil Vietnam’s Growth

Climate change refugees are streaming out of Vietnam’s vital Mekong Delta agricultural region amid warnings of deep economic losses unless the government steps up its commitment to environmental sustainability. Based on IMF advisory this week, higher global temperatures, rising sea levels, and more frequent and more intense extreme weather events are taking its toll on the Vietnamese economy and its people. Nguyen Ngọc Hung, deputy head of People’s Aid Coordination Committee under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association said that Vietnam needs US$140billion to $179 billion in the next 20 years for climate change reduction and adaptation, as well as technology