-16:20: Concluding the forum, Mr. Phan Van Anh - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor assessed that after listening to the comments from representatives of professional agencies and business units, the urgency and importance of environmental protection activities were shown. In which, the role of workers in this issue was highlighted.
Mr. Phan Van Anh said that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has issued many synchronous and unified documents and regulations for enterprises producing environmentally friendly products, recycling enterprises, green growth and circular economy enterprises that need to strengthen research and deploy advanced technology to recycle waste into useful, environmentally friendly products.
With the function of participating in the development of legal policies, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor continues to actively participate in and perfect technical and environmental standards and regulations in the collection, transportation and treatment of waste.
At the same time, strengthen the legal system and implement effective state management in environmental protection.
Recognizing the role and responsibility of trade union organizations, the General Confederation of Labor has regularly issued documents directing trade union levels to continue promoting propaganda, dissemination of legal education, and knowledge about environmental protection.
Along with that, launching emulation movements among cadres, civil servants, public employees and workers, for example the movement "Promoting technical innovation initiatives, improving working conditions for workers"; "Green - clean - beautiful movement to ensure occupational safety and hygiene"...
Assessing the role of workers in environmental protection, according to Mr. Phan Van Anh, the forum aims to strengthen the role of trade unions and workers in monitoring compliance with environmental protection laws, rational use of natural resources and response to climate change.
“Through this event, specific solutions were proposed to promote sustainable production and consumption, and implement the national strategy on green growth. The forum also enhanced the responsibility of workers, because this is an important factor in turning waste into gold and towards environmental protection goals,” Mr. Phan Van Anh emphasized.
Achieving the goal of green growth transformation and moving towards the Net Zero goal is the responsibility of the whole society. In particular, the pioneering role of enterprises in investing and exploiting clean energy such as solar power and wind power not only helps reduce emissions but also increases energy autonomy and reduces costs for enterprises.
This event is also an opportunity for managers, businesses and workers to discuss and find the most effective solutions to deal with the complex environmental pollution, especially in export processing zones and industrial zones, as well as to highlight the role and responsibility of union members and workers in preserving and protecting the environment. The forum will be a place to honor outstanding initiatives in environmental protection.
-16:10: Mr. Nguyen Duy Thanh - Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Vietnam General Confederation of Labor presented a paper on "The dangers of microplastics and preventive solutions". It is estimated that more than 1.8 million tons of plastic waste are discharged in Vietnam each year. Of which, only 27% is recycled and according to UNEP statistics, Vietnam currently ranks 4th in the world in terms of the amount of plastic waste discharged into the ocean. In some major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Hoa, Binh Thuan..., the situation of plastic waste has become a headache. According to the survey results of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Vietnam and the Center for Green Development Support in 2019, plastic waste accounts for 92.2% of the quantity and 64.8% of the volume of the total waste collected on Vietnam's beaches. Plastic waste pollution in Vietnam is also increasing rapidly, creating major challenges in environmental management. To reduce plastic waste, the whole society needs to join hands. Without effective and timely solutions, the negative impacts of plastic waste will become increasingly serious. The Government also pays special attention to plastic waste issues when issuing a series of decisions related to the action plan against plastic waste. In Decision No. 1746/QD-TTg dated December 4, 2019 on the National Action Plan on Ocean Plastic Waste Management to 2030, it clearly states that the goal is to reduce 50% of plastic waste by 2025 and 75% by 2030. At the same time, it also states 5 major solutions: Propaganda, raising awareness, changing people's behavior; Collecting, classifying, transporting, and treating plastic waste along the coast and at sea; Controlling upstream plastic waste; International cooperation, scientific research, and technology transfer on plastic waste treatment; Investigate and survey, develop a mechanism to manage ocean plastic waste. Many localities, agencies, units, educational institutions... across the country have issued many regulations, strategies, slogans, and movements with the aim of strengthening management and supervision to reduce plastic waste.
Workers and laborers asked questions enthusiastically at the forum.
- Mr. Dinh Manh Ha - Member of the Executive Committee of the Trade Union of Drainage Enterprise No. 6, Hanoi Drainage Company asked: “The awareness of environmental protection, labor safety and hygiene of union officials, and hygiene and safety at enterprises is one of the important key issues. What training programs has the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor had in the past to raise environmental protection awareness of workers? In the future, will the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor have any other programs?
Mr. Phan Van Anh - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor replied: Environmental protection and climate change response are important contents in the context of integration and global nature. Environmental protection is also the responsibility of the entire system, the entire political and social system, that is why in recent times, trade unions at all levels have had many practical and effective activities to promote environmental protection propaganda such as rational and economical use of resources, saving electricity, water, etc.
The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has organized many programs such as organizing seminars on World Environment Day and Circular Economy for Sustainable Development. Every year, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor organizes dozens of training courses to raise awareness for union officials and occupational safety and health officials at enterprises. Currently, the union organization has many training programs for safety staff to proactively propagate to workers.
In the coming time, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor will continue to promote programs, contributing with businesses to solve environmental issues as well as further enhancing the role of workers in environmental protection.
- Ms. Nguyen Cam Tu, a worker at Ba Dinh Electricity Company, asked: “The Vietnamese Government has made a strong commitment at the 26th Climate Change Conference to ensure net zero emissions by 2050. For the electricity industry, what needs to be done so that we can join hands to achieve that goal?”
Mr. Ho Trung Kien - Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment replied: We need to mobilize all local ministries and sectors, gradually switching to green, clean technology, using renewable energy. For the electricity industry, it is necessary to switch to renewable electricity and solar energy. The more we reduce waste released into the environment, the more we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, workers need to minimize the waste that needs to be treated and take the lead in sorting waste at the source.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Quang - Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment added: The role of the electricity industry in environmental protection is enormous. According to statistics, the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions is currently 450 million tons of CO2 equivalent and the energy industry accounts for 2/3 of about 280 million tons of CO2 equivalent, of which the electricity industry accounts for 1/2, about 140 million tons. The electricity industry also has a planning plan until 2050, renewable energy output accounts for 67-71% (currently accounts for about 15%). We need a legal corridor to encourage the development of renewable energy. Recently, the state has issued many policies and mechanisms, clean energy. For each worker, laborer needs to continue to work enthusiastically, continue to have green initiatives such as operating electric poles to create the best renewable energy. In addition, we need to change our behaviors and lifestyles related to daily life such as saving electricity and planting trees to contribute to protecting the environment from the smallest things.
- Ms. Tran Thi Hong Nhung (environmental worker of Hanoi Urban Environment Company, Ba Dinh branch) wondered about the environmental pollution treatment after storms, especially the recent storm No. 3 that hit the northern provinces, which caused severe damage. Environmental workers are all direct laborers, dealing with the consequences after storms is very difficult. So what solutions do the authorities have to overcome and rebuild the environment after storms to minimize damage and avoid disease for the people?
Responding to this content, Mr. Ho Kien Trung - Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - said that the Hanoi Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment highly appreciated the spirit and efforts of the environmental workers in handling the damage after storm No. 3. "After the storm passed, we saw a video with the content that after only 2 days the city was completely clean, thanks to the efforts of the environmental workers. These are very impressive and emotional images", Mr. Ho Kien Trung said.
On the Ministry's side, Mr. Trung said that the unit has the function of forecasting and early warning so that people and businesses can better prevent natural disasters and avoid being affected by environmental factors. At the same time, there are always instructions and toolkits on waste collection activities, how to bury animal carcasses after storms to ensure hygiene and protect people's health. These instructions are sent in detail to each locality for application. The application process needs to be synchronized and unified among related units and properly implemented according to the instructions in this toolkit.
- Mr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, a worker at Hanoi Drainage Company, asked: “Currently, the propaganda and education work on environmental pollution and waste classification to the people is not effective. In the coming time, will the authorities have any measures to raise people's awareness in environmental protection and waste classification?”
Mr. Phan Van Anh - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor replied: With the current development of society, a lot of waste is generated and most of it can be classified. Waste classification can help turn waste into resources for economic development. Waste classification at the source is very necessary and I really hope that workers will do it well. In recent years, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has used the press, television, and social networks to promote content and images to equip knowledge about the rational use of resources to effectively protect the environment. According to statistics, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has organized 7,168 rallies, seminars, training sessions to disseminate knowledge as well as environmental protection competitions with nearly 2 million workers and laborers participating. This is also the first time that workers have participated in this contest. Although they did not have much time to research, basically all workers answered correctly the questions given by the Organizing Committee.
Mr. Ho Trung Kien - Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment added: Regarding environmental protection propaganda work, according to our experience observed from other countries, we need to do it regularly and for a long time, it may take up to decades to change people's behavior and awareness. Propaganda and education work needs to be done regularly and extensively. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also has many actions related to propaganda work such as creating cartoons to guide on classification work, we go to provinces that do well to film. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also builds a toolkit to identify waste such as recyclables, food waste, etc. so that people can easily recognize them. Through reports broadcast in the forum, beautiful paintings, lamps, toys, etc. made from waste also have practical propaganda meaning. We need to use more propaganda measures in the near future. Workers are the best communicators, because they understand the importance of waste sorting better than anyone else. In addition, people should also visit the recycling area to see the meaning of sorting and see the recycled products returned to the community.
-16:00: At the second session of the forum, Mr. Tran Van Hieu - Co-founder, Deputy Director of Lagom Vietnam - said that every year, up to 8 billion plastic hangers are released into the environment. Hangers are often buried in landfills or burned with household waste, causing very serious environmental problems such as textile and plastic waste.
Plastic hangers are made from Polyester or Polycarbonate which are very toxic when released into the environment. 65% of clothing and apparel products including accessories, hangers are mostly made of synthetic plastic.
Meanwhile, every year, Vietnam releases about 15 billion milk cartons into the environment. With a 6-layer structure, including 75% paper, 21% plastic and 4% aluminum, milk cartons are durable materials, protecting drinks well, but because of that, they last a long time in the natural environment, up to 500 years and are difficult to recycle.
Although 100% recyclable, the current collection and recycling rate of this type of waste is very low and ineffective.
To solve the above problem, Lagom has gone through a 5-year journey, from raising awareness, guiding waste classification at source, collecting and transporting, researching and developing products, perfecting production technology and commercializing products to the market.
Eco Hanger, and other Lagom products are 100% recycled from milk cartons and are safe, useful, environmentally friendly and sustainable.
In particular, recycled clothes hangers are the solution for the fashion industry to commit to the environment.
Understanding this problem, Lagom Vietnam has come up with a breakthrough idea: recycling milk cartons into clothes hangers. This is considered a solution to reduce waste, an important step in creating environmentally friendly products.
Starting in 2019, Lagom’s milk carton collection journey has been carried out at schools. At the collection points, the milk cartons will be sorted and prepared for recycling. After 5 years of implementation, Lagom has collected nearly 1,000 tons of paper milk cartons, with a collection network at 2,000 schools and 150 community points across the country.
Eco hanger is also the first hanger in the world to be 100% recycled from milk cartons, minimalist style, smart design brings minimalist beauty, safety and environmental friendliness to the living space of the house.
Mr. Tran Van Hieu said that the hanger is recycled from 35 used milk cartons. It is a recycled product created to solve environmental pollution problems, reduce waste in landfills, and raise public awareness about multi-layer packaging that is difficult to recycle, such as milk cartons.
Lagom's recycling activities aim to promote the development of a circular economy, where milk cartons are regenerated and have many more lives.
One of the notable contents in Mr. Tran Van Hieu's proposal on tax. According to Mr. Hieu, a unit directly in charge of collection, declaring and paying taxes on collected products is very complicated and difficult to implement. Although our current regulations are complete, when applied in practice, it is very difficult to do. "We have a proposal hoping that the authorities will study and remove obstacles, creating more favorable conditions for units to be able to declare and pay taxes in accordance with regulations. Because currently, many businesses like us, when making products, have to pay all kinds of taxes such as VAT, but scrap collectors do not have to pay any taxes. Then they sell to unofficial channels, causing high price differences, which is disadvantageous for businesses," Mr. Hieu raised the issue.
14:40: At the end of session 1, Mr. Le Cong Thanh - Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment - assessed that the forum was not only a meaningful event, but also highlighted and honored the role of workers and laborers in protecting the environment, and affirmed our common commitment to environmental protection, contributing to the country's sustainable development goals.
After listening to a report and 03 presentations by representatives of management agencies, businesses and socio-political organizations within the framework of the first discussion session of the Forum with the theme "Recognizing opportunities and challenges in environmental protection", the speakers exchanged and shared a lot of important information on policies, solutions and initiatives to promote green growth, develop a circular economy, reduce emissions and convert waste into resources.
Through the presented opinions, Mr. Le Cong Thanh affirmed that moving towards a sustainable economy is not only an urgent task but also a great opportunity to enhance competitiveness, improve quality of life and protect the environment.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment emphasized 5 contents including:
Regarding green growth, we need to promote policies that prioritize the development of clean technology, renewable energy and investment in environmentally friendly projects. The government and businesses need to coordinate to build favorable legal corridors, thereby encouraging sustainable production and consumption models.
Regarding the development of a circular economy, the change in mindset from “produce – consume – dispose” to “reduce – reuse – recycle” needs to be promoted. Circular models not only help reduce resource waste and protect the environment, but also create added value for businesses and the community, enhancing competitiveness in the international arena.
To achieve the emission reduction target, it is necessary to focus on strictly controlling industries with high risk of causing environmental pollution, while promoting the transition to clean, environmentally friendly energy sources; applying green technology, the best available technology, technology that does not generate greenhouse gas emissions.
Waste is not a “burden”, but a valuable resource if we know how to exploit it. To turn waste into a resource for the country’s economic development, the first thing to do is to promote waste classification, build modern recycling plants and encourage research and application of advanced waste treatment technology. These are necessary directions.
Education and public awareness raising on the role of each individual in reducing emissions also need to be promoted. Communication and public awareness raising on environmental protection need to be carried out widely, regularly and long-term.
“The journey to achieve these goals requires commitment and cooperation from all parties: from the Government, businesses, social organizations to each citizen. We need a comprehensive strategy, inter-sectoral and inter-regional coordination, as well as a spirit of continuous innovation,” said Mr. Le Cong Thanh.
-14:43: Mr. Nguyen Tuan Quang - Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment presented a paper "Vietnam's efforts in achieving the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050"
Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is an inevitable development goal of the world, mainly achieved through strong energy transition and low-emission development. This is also the new "rule of the game" on global trade and investment that has been established since the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). Therefore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and converting energy from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy is an opportunity to promote sustainable economic restructuring, seize opportunities to improve economic competitiveness and take advantage of trade and investment cooperation opportunities for development. Developing clean energy and quickly ending the use of coal, gradually moving away from other fossil energy sources such as oil and gas are strongly promoted. International financial resources will soon shift from investing in coal power development to renewable energy development while promoting the circular economy, maintaining and developing forests, and protecting ecosystems.
At the COP26 Conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated: “Although Vietnam is a developing country that has only begun the industrialization process in the past three decades, it has advantages in renewable energy. It will develop and implement strong measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions using its own resources, along with the cooperation and support of the international community, especially developed countries, both in terms of finance and technology transfer, including implementing mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050”. Vietnam's strong commitments and responsible contributions at the COP26 Conference have been highly appreciated by the international community and have opened up many opportunities for cooperation on low-emission growth, promoting circular economic development, and adapting to climate change.
At COP27, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and demonstrated its efforts in the fight against climate change. At the Conference, Vietnam submitted an updated NDC, reflecting specific actions to be taken by 2030 in line with its roadmap to achieving net zero emissions and its commitment to reduce methane emissions by 30%. Vietnam's updated NDC has significantly increased its efforts compared to the NDC submitted in 2020. At the same time, Vietnam affirmed that energy transition is a key factor in achieving the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 and called on the international community to support Vietnam in successfully implementing the energy transition, ensuring affordable prices for all.
Immediately after the COP26 Conference, the Government established a National Steering Committee to implement Vietnam's commitments at COP26, chaired by the Prime Minister and composed of leaders of ministries and sectors. The Prime Minister resolutely directed ministries and sectors to urgently research and develop programs and plans to implement Vietnam's commitments.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), as the standing agency of the Steering Committee, has made efforts to implement tasks and achieved important results.
To mobilize resources to serve the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the Government and Ministries have worked with many leaders of countries, international organizations and international financial institutions to promote access to financial and technological resources, open up many opportunities for development cooperation, towards low-carbon growth and promote equitable energy transition.
Accompanying state management agencies in activities to realize the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, it is impossible not to mention the participation of organizations and businesses, including the accompaniment of workers and laborers. Some of these activities include: Vietnam Oil and Gas Group actively implementing the Cooperation Agreement on developing offshore wind power export projects with Singapore[. negotiating, planning marine surveys, and developing effective project development plans. Vietnam National Petroleum Group has developed an action plan to achieve net zero emissions of the group; promoting the implementation of rooftop solar power projects, researching measures to reduce emissions at high carbon emission points in production and business activities; implementing the conversion of the gas station system to be smart, modern, and environmentally friendly. Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group actively reviews and evaluates the current status to propose the conversion of thermal power plants in accordance with the conversion roadmap identified in the Power Plan VIII. Vietnam Chemical Group gradually converts energy towards green, clean, energy-saving and efficient use; seriously implements measures to control greenhouse gas emissions, organizes inspections and supervision at emission facilities and deploys solutions to recover and store carbon to serve other industries. Vietnam Forestry Corporation continues to implement a number of projects to develop renewable energy sources, biomass energy, and energy wood pellet processing; promotes new forest planting, increases forest cover to contribute to increasing carbon absorption capacity and reducing methane emissions in forestry; piloting forest carbon trading with the Forestry Carbon Partnership Program. Vingroup Corporation proactively develops solar energy to provide electricity for the operations of its member companies. Vinamilk Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company becomes the first representative of the Vietnamese dairy industry to participate in the Global Dairy Initiative on NetZero…
In the context of the world facing energy crisis, inflation, regional instability, some countries have decided to postpone the implementation of commitments to respond to global climate change, with the close direction of the Government, the Prime Minister and the active participation of ministries, branches, localities and enterprises, Vietnam has achieved positive results in implementing commitments at the COP Conferences in the past time, which have been highly appreciated by the international community, contributing to enhancing the national position and attracting foreign investment to Vietnam. To achieve the goal of net zero emissions and implement a fair energy transition, in the coming time, it is necessary to implement the following key tasks:
(1). Continue to focus on perfecting institutions to serve digital transformation, green transformation, green growth, and low-carbon economic development; perfecting mechanisms to attract resources for green transformation; researching and developing new technologies to reduce emissions and energy transformation; training and developing high-quality human resources, and grasping new technologies to realize green transformation and equitable energy transformation goals.
(2). Promote the implementation of tasks to implement Vietnam's commitments at COP26 according to Decision No. 888/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister, the National Strategy on Climate Change for the period up to 2050, the Nationally Determined Contribution updated in 2022 and tasks to implement the results of COP27 and COP28.
(3). Continue to synchronously complete mechanisms, policies and legal documents to remove difficulties and obstacles, mobilize the participation of the whole society in implementing Vietnam's commitments at COP26 and implementing JETP; attract resources, encourage domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to respond to climate change and energy conversion; encourage businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and develop environmentally friendly production models.
(4). Ministries, sectors and localities actively participate in implementing the Action Program on green energy conversion, reducing carbon and methane emissions in the transport sector; implementing Decision No. 13/2024/QD-TTg dated August 13, 2024 of the Prime Minister promulgating the list of sectors and facilities emitting greenhouse gases that must conduct greenhouse gas inventories (updated); developing Vietnam's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2025-2035 period.
(5). Continue to promote international support for Vietnam through bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks; strengthen research on experiences and good practices of other countries in building and perfecting domestic policy and regulatory frameworks to serve the development of green economy, circular economy, energy transition, and response to climate change to serve advisory work.
(6). Continue to promote Vietnam's participation and contributions in multilateral cooperation forums and mechanisms to demonstrate Vietnam's active and proactive role in solving global issues, while mobilizing international resources and promoting issues that are in line with our interests. Continue to strengthen communication work, raise awareness and take action to implement Vietnam's commitments at COP26.
14:30: Speaking at the forum, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang, Deputy Director of Urenco Hoan Kiem Branch, informed that the average amount of waste collected and transported to Nam Son - Soc Son treatment area in Hoan Kiem district is 210 tons/day (collection rate reaches 100%).
Of which, 120 tons/day are transported directly to Nam Son treatment area and 90 tons/day are transported to Lam Du waste transfer station (in Bo De - Long Bien), then transported to Nam Son treatment area.
Regarding infrastructure and equipment, Urenco Hoan Kiem has installed additional waste water tanks to overcome the problem of waste water leakage during transportation. In addition, all garbage trucks, sweepers, and street washers are equipped with GPS and surveillance cameras for online monitoring.
Pointing out some problems regarding environmental sanitation quality in the district, according to a representative of Urenco Hoan Kiem, the quality of environmental sanitation at some times on the streets is not yet guaranteed.
“The unit has clearly issued the time, location, and method of garbage disposal on each street and residential area (the regulation is that garbage disposal time is from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.).
However, with the characteristics of Hoan Kiem district being crowded with tourists, restaurants and eateries generate a lot of garbage at many times, and garbage is not disposed of in the right place, causing garbage to accumulate in tree-lined streets and streets. In addition, there is still a phenomenon of people dumping garbage at the wrong time and place (especially in the old quarter, where many tourists and shops gather from 10am to 1pm and from 5pm to late at night)," Ms. Hang said.
Regarding solutions, the Deputy Director of Urenco Hoan Kiem Branch said that the unit will strengthen garbage collection, focusing on two main tasks, including: collecting in central areas, flower gardens, parks, key routes; collecting during times when people generate a lot of garbage (after 13:00 and after 17:00).
At the same time, coordinate with the People's Committees of wards in the district to promote propaganda for people to properly implement the garbage collection plan agreed with Urenco to dispose of garbage on time and in the right place.
Authorities have increased inspections, reminders, and penalties for those who throw garbage at the wrong time or in the wrong place.
Assessing the responsibilities and roles of workers in the implementation of waste classification, according to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang, each collector is a propagandist who helps the branch convey to the people in their area about waste classification, instruct people on waste classification and answer questions and opinions of people during the production process.
During the process of collecting hazardous waste, the unit is currently promoting batteries. At the request of the district, in the early stages, when people bring in items that are considered waste, we will still collect them normally as we are currently collecting them.
During the production process, we will record cases of people not dumping garbage at the right time and place, take pictures and videos (if possible) to report to the ward for punishment.
“100% of Urenco workers have been educated and instructed on how to classify waste, and at the same time, people have been instructed on how to classify waste according to the district's plan,” Ms. Hang affirmed.
-14:17: Mr. Ho Kien Trung - Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment presented a speech "Highlights of the Law on Environmental Protection 2020; the role and importance of classifying, collecting and treating household waste".
According to statistics, up to now, the total amount of domestic solid waste (SWM) generated nationwide is about 67,110 tons/day. If we only take a modest cost of collecting, transporting and treating 1 (one) ton of SWM which is 50 USD, then on average the whole country spends about 3.35 million USD per day to collect, transport and treat all generated SWM (equivalent to about 1,222.75 million USD/year). This is not a small number for a developing country like Vietnam.
According to statistics, the proportion of waste types in CTRSH generated in Vietnam is as follows: (1) Food waste accounts for the highest proportion, ranging from 50 - 70% of the total volume of CTRSH generated. If this waste is classified right from households and individuals, it can be turned into high-quality compost or create biomass electricity with extremely large value; (2) Recyclable waste ranges from 20-25% of the total amount of CTRSH generated. This is a source of high-value raw materials for production; (3) the rest is other household solid waste such as disposable plastic bags, candy wrappers, foam boxes, wood chips, etc. of low value. However, if this waste is pre-processed, creating fuel pellets to be used as fuel for some industries or burned to generate electricity, it also creates value. Thus, almost all of the generated solid waste can be recycled, reused or converted into energy and value from waste. However, about 65% of the total amount of solid waste in Vietnam is treated by direct landfilling; about 16% of the total amount of waste is treated at composting plants and about 19% of the total amount of waste is treated by incineration and other methods such as recycling, gasification, making fuel pellets, etc.
With the current situation of waste management and treatment in Vietnam, it can be seen that every day we are losing valuable money and the social and environmental benefits from waste are huge if this waste is not classified, recycled, reused, but a lot of money must be spent to collect and treat it.
For the classification work to be truly effective, the role of local authorities and workers (also known as "GREEN WARRIORS") in classifying domestic solid waste is very important, specifically as follows:
For local authorities, based on: (i) characteristics and composition of domestic solid waste generated in the area; (ii) technical infrastructure of the collection, transportation and treatment system of domestic solid waste in the area; (iii) system of facilities receiving solid waste after classification for reuse and recycling to regulate the classification of domestic solid waste from individuals and households.
For the "GREEN WARRIOR", this is the main, important force and the decisive factor for success in implementing the classification of domestic solid waste because in addition to the assigned tasks, workers will both collect and guide people, households and individuals to classify, and also supervise people in classifying domestic solid waste according to regulations. In addition, if we have appropriate mechanisms and policies, it will further promote the effectiveness of classification by workers in the process of collecting domestic solid waste.
Dear delegates and guests!
After nearly 3 years of implementing the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, in addition to difficulties and challenges, we have initially achieved some results, for example: Some businesses and some localities have sought stable output for waste after classification. To implement this correct policy of the Party, the National Assembly and the State stipulated in the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 on waste management in general and classification of solid waste in particular, the Department of Environmental Pollution Control hopes to continue to receive the support and participation of news agencies and newspapers to communicate and raise awareness of the community and people widely, regularly and long-term about environmental protection and classification of domestic waste; hopes to continue to coordinate with cadres, workers and environmental workers in the work of collecting, classifying, recycling and thoroughly treating waste, and at the same time be a force to guide and supervise people in collecting and classifying waste in accordance with regulations; Request the People's Committees of provinces/cities to urgently develop plans and arrange infrastructure and equipment to ensure the implementation of this regulation from the beginning of 2025.
- 14:05: Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hien - Editor-in-Chief of Lao Dong Newspaper delivered the opening speech of the forum
Recognizing the important role of environmental protection in the process of socio-economic development, our Party and State always consider environmental protection as a key issue. In the process of building environmental protection plans, workers are always the focus, the important resource to help these works achieve many positive results. Each worker is an important factor in turning trash into gold, to achieve the goals of environmental protection, workers and laborers are the key factor.
In recent times, trade unions at all levels have also issued many plans and organized propaganda for union members and workers to carry out many practical activities contributing to environmental protection, such as organizing tree planting and flower gardens to create green - clean - beautiful landscapes in enterprises; improving techniques to reduce energy consumption and toxic waste to the environment...
The forum "Workers for the Environment" was conceived in 2019 and has achieved many positive results, contributing to strengthening the role of workers in enterprises in monitoring compliance with environmental protection laws, promoting sustainable production and consumption, and implementing the National Strategy on Green Growth...
In 2024, the forum will continue to be held with the desire to propose specific solutions, while further promoting the role of workers in business and production activities of enterprises associated with environmental protection, promoting the active participation of grassroots unions in activities to monitor the protection of natural resources and the environment of enterprises nationwide. The program also honors initiatives and ideas of workers in environmental protection.
At today’s forum, we hope to hear opinions from departments, ministries, businesses, workers and laborers on environmental protection. We look forward to receiving support from the entire forum.
Wishing the forum great success, wishing you and your family good health and peace.
-14:00: The program begins
Currently, the work of responding to climate change (CC), resource management and environmental protection is of interest and focus to the whole society. To gradually shift from adaptation as the focus to combining greenhouse gas emission reduction, taking advantage of opportunities to move towards a green, low-carbon economy, aiming for net zero emissions.
Throughout this process, workers play an important role in protecting the environment through awareness, concrete actions and participation in environmental protection activities.
When they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills, they can make a great contribution to protecting and improving the living environment.
With the desire to propose specific solutions to promote workers' and laborers' activities to protect the environment, further enhance the role of workers in production and business activities of enterprises associated with environmental protection, promote the active participation of grassroots trade unions at all levels in activities to monitor the protection of natural resources and the environment at enterprises nationwide, and at the same time highlight workers' initiatives in environmental protection, Lao Dong Newspaper (Vietnam General Confederation of Labor) organizes the "Workers' Forum for the Environment" in 2024.
Attending the “Workers' Forum for the Environment in 2024” were: Mr. Phan Van Anh - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor; Mr. Le Cong Thanh - Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hien - Editor-in-Chief of Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Duc Thanh - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Lao Dong Newspaper... and representatives from state management agencies, environmental experts, business units, workers and press agencies.
