Vietnam plans to keep its greenhouse gas emissions 12.5% below business-as-usual levels over the 2021-2030 period, but could raise the target to 25% if it receives international assistance, according to a government website.
The target will be part of Vietnam’s INDC, according to the Department of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, who recently hosted a consultation workshop on the second draft version of the plan.
Vietnam emitted 247 million tonnes of CO2e in 2010. According to a 2013 paper published by Japanese think-tank IGES, emissions are projected to reach 601 million tonnes in 2030.
If the target remains unchanged until the final INDC is submitted to the UN, Vietnam will join a growing group of developing nations using BAU estimates as the foundation for future targets.
South Korea, Mexico and Morocco are among nations that have previously announced targets based on BAU levels.
The working group developing the INDC consists of members from several ministries, NGOs and foreign organisations. The final version will need to be signed off by the prime minister before it is submitted to the UN.
Thursday’s government report did not go into details on which policies Vietnam might introduce in order to meet the target.
In 2012, the government said it would reduce its carbon intensity 8-10% from 2010 levels by 2020 and approved a plan to draw up a domestic carbon market, but specific plans have yet to be released.
By Stian Reklev – stian@carbon-pulse.com
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