Vietnam tackles Climate Change with ISO standard initiatives
The Ministry of Science and Technology has recently released ISO standards on climate change adaptation as a practical step towards achieving Vietnam's net zero goals. These standards, known as TCVN ISO 14090:2020, provide principles, requirements, and guidelines for organizations and sectors to effectively adapt to climate change. They are applicable to organizations of all sizes, whether local, regional, international, or across various business sectors and natural resource management.
These standards can be utilized to develop specific climate change adaptation standards for different sectors and factors. They were introduced after Vietnam made a commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, demonstrating the country's dedication to fulfilling this commitment through practical actions.
During the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on November 11, 2022, the International Organization for Standardization announced a new global guide that includes guiding principles for achieving net zero. According to this guide, reducing emissions at their source is considered the most effective approach to achieving net zero. This can be accomplished through measures such as improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and innovating processes to minimize waste.
For emissions that cannot be eliminated, carbon offsetting is suggested as a potential solution. This involves investing in projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The guide emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement, including employees, customers, investors, and the community, in order to successfully implement a net-zero strategy.
Following the release of the guide, the Ministry's Directorate for Standards, Metrology, and Quality has disseminated it to organizations and businesses. This dissemination aims to assist them in identifying and managing risks, as well as seizing opportunities that arise from climate change.
Vietnam is ranked sixth among countries most affected by extreme weather, according to a United Nations report. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced numerous natural disasters resulting in the loss of lives and resources. Vietnam's proactive commitment to net zero not only helps reduce the risks associated with climate change, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, but also protects human health, encourages innovation and economic growth, enhances energy security, and preserves ecosystems and biodiversity.
Source: VNExpress