Australia will back a partnership between Australian and Vietnamese climate scientists to map out plans for coping with the impacts of climate change, said Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr.
Australia will contribute over A$2 million to the project built on the existing partnership between Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and scientists from Vietnam’s Ministry for Natural Resource and Environment and the Hanoi University of Science, he said during his visit to Vietnam.
“The fundamental goal of the aid program is overcoming poverty and addressing climate change which is critical to protecting and improving the lives of those who depend on the natural environment for their income, food and water,” Carr said in a statement released by the Australian consulate general in HCMC.
Carr noted Vietnam was among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly in the Mekong Delta where rising sea levels, salt water intrusion and flooding are already affecting vulnerable coastal communities.
“Having more localized projections will help identify the people and sectors at risk and support Vietnam in the challenging task of prioritizing its climate change response,” Carr said.
Therefore, the partnership will enable Vietnam to analyze, understand and undertake future climate change projections. The partnership will include hosting Vietnamese PhD students who will help analyze data and climate modeling at the CSIRO in Australia.
Carr is visiting Vietnam from March 27 to 29 as part of his working trip to nations in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Singapore, with an aim to emphasize Australia’s priority in strengthening its relationship with countries in this region.
On Tuesday, Carr opened new premises of the Australian consulate general in HCMC, which he described as “a global city and a centre for Australian business interests.”
“Over 290,000 Australians visit Vietnam each year. This is a strong and growing bilateral relationship, and HCMC is an important hub for Australian businesses operating in Vietnam,” Carr said.
The Australian minister’s agenda in Hanoi on Wednesday included meetings with Party and Government leaders as well as ministers.
