“It is the sea and ocean that can help regulate and mitigate the devastating consequences of natural calamities, and no single country can succeed if it copes with climate change alone,” said Ms Doan at the event.
She reviewed environmental protection in Vietnam, saying it is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
“Relevant ministries, sectors and local administrations should fully observe the Environmental Protection Law to raise public awareness of the need to protect our living environment and lessen the harmful effects of environmental pollution and climate change,” she said.
The vice president delivered the message of World Environment Day 2009 “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change.” She affirmed Vietnam’s determination to take action and join hands with other countries to protect the environment, the sea and the ocean as well as combating climate change for the sake of the sustainable development of every country and the whole world.
The same day, the Vietnam General Confederation of labour, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the central province of Nghe An launched various activities to mark the event.
According to scientists, Vietnam is one of the five countries that will bear the brunt of climate change. Coastal areas will be submerged as a result of ice melting and sea levels rising.