Science, tech research ease climate change impact

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung tells Vietnam News Agency about the application of science and technology to mitigate damages of climate change.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung 

Could you describe a key research programme applying science and technology in environmental protection and natural disaster prevention?

Since 2000, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has worked with relevant ministries and agencies to develop key science and technology programmes that cover a wide range of areas, including the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters and their impacts. 

Among such programmes is KC08 national science and technology programne built in five-year periods.

During the 2001-05, it was called "Programme for Environmental Protection and Disaster Prevention."

From 2006 to 2010, it was entitled "Science and Technology Programme for Environmental Protection, Disaster Prevention and Rational Use of Natural Resources".

For the period 2011-15, the MoST decided to change the theme to "Science and Technology Research Programme for Environmental Protection, Natural Disaster prevention and Rational Use of Natural Resources". The 2016-20 period is titled "Scientific Research Programme for Environmental Protection and Natural Disaster Prevention."

During the implementation of the KC08 programme, various solutions, initiatives and new technologies have been proposed and applied to prevent natural disasters and minimise damages.

Those include the application of technologies to improve dam safety of small and medium reservoirs in areas prone to flash floods and landslides by building walls and bentonite trench walls for waterproofing and preventing surface and foundation overflow.

It also includes applying high technology in the construction of warning systems for overflowing clusters in case of flash floods in northern and central mountainous provinces, providing early warning to local authorities and people in flood-hit areas; installing and applying geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing technology in building a mapping system for flash floods and landslides warning, monitoring and detecting.

How does the programme help boost environmental protection and natural disaster prevention and what are the challenges in applying it?

Many technologies have been applied in recent years to minimise damages caused by natural disasters.

Thanks to this research programme, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has developed a system of zoning maps and warnings of the risk of flash floods and landslides.

The ministry has step by step handed the system over to local use.

However, given that natural disasters due to impacts of climate change tend to be more extreme and unpredictable in terms of frequency and intensity, the programme must be accelerated. 

A continuous strange weather phenomenon in the past three years including heavy rains resulted in serious damages.

The rains in the northern coastal Quang Ninh Province in August, 2015, northern mountain Sa Pa Town in 2016 and northern mountain Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces in 2017 were clear proof.

How can scientific and technological research programmes be more effective in environmental protection and disaster prevention?

The implementation of disaster mitigation activities cannot be implemented individually. It should be integrated with others activities in the context of ensuring effective sustainable development. Scientific and technological solutions for environmental protection and natural disaster prevention should also be integrated with others activities.

Scientific and technology achievements should be transferred and applied to localities particularly those in mountain remote areas.

New initiatives or proposals should also be focused to provide information and warning at the right time.

A list of high risk flash flood and landslide points would contribute greatly to population evacuation plans in response to natural disasters. 

VNS

Other News

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

The two projects involve an intelligent autonomous transportation system developed by Phenikaa-X JSC and a technology for producing mixed rare-earth oxides with a purity of over 95% on a semi-industrial scale developed by the Mining Technology and Construction Consultancy JSC.

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

In just a few years, AI has evolved from an experimental technology into an “assistant” for many banks, supporting everything from customer service, credit approval, and fraud detection to risk management. However, as the technological gap between institutions narrows, a new question is emerging: What will determine banks' competitive advantage in the AI era?

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

A meeting has been held in Bac Ninh to discuss potential cooperation with Plug and Play in developing the northern province’s innovation ecosystem and establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence, with Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mai Son receiving a delegation from the global innovation platform.

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

The project aims to assess the safety, reliability and readiness of autonomous vehicles under real traffic conditions, as well as the effectiveness of autonomous public transport and compatibility with existing systems. Its results will contribute to developing technical standards, operating procedures and management models suited to Hanoi’s traffic conditions.

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

As Vietnam accelerates digital transformation and high-tech development, Singapore’s experience and the engagement of global technology companies demonstrate that human resources preparation must stay ahead of the curve. The ability to filter knowledge, collaborate, innovate and effectively use AI will increasingly become essential to helping workers adapt to a changing labour market and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy in the new era.

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Cybersecurity, information security and data security risks must be identified and addressed early and from afar, with appropriate defensive measures ready to neutralise threats and protect national interests in cyberspace, said Lieutenant General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention (A05).

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of Nam Can Tho University, said the university is developing a value chain covering training, research, technology development, testing, technology transfer and commercialisation. The model is designed to link research more closely with practical needs, ensuring that technologies generate products and products create value for society.

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

The WB report identifies Vietnam as one of the few economies outside the European Union (EU) to have adopted a comprehensive AI regulatory framework as early as 2025. Vietnam applies a risk-tiered approach similar to that of the EU AI Act, imposing different obligations depending on whether an AI system poses “unacceptable,” “high,” “low” or “minimal” risks. The approach is viewed as a strategic step towards ensuring safe and transparent AI governance.

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

Dr. Ho Duc Thang, a full-time member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Cultural and Educational, said productivity is the key to sustaining double-digit economic growth, and AI has greater potential to improve productivity than any previous technology.

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Vietnam's growth model, long fueled by low-cost labour, resource extraction, contract manufacturing, expanded investment, and capital accumulation, has run out of road. The country now needs a sweeping reform agenda to shift from extensive growth to a model driven by productivity, knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.