On the occasion of the Summit on Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 (P4G) held in Hanoi, Dr. Nguyen Minh Phong - Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of Nhan Dan Newspaper, former Head of Economic Research Department, Hanoi Institute for Socio-Economic Development Research - discussed with Lao Dong Newspaper about the concept, trend and urgency of the green development strategy in the current context.
Sir, in the context of the whole world moving towards sustainable development goals, why is green growth considered an inevitable choice today?
- We are living in a paradox. The current production and consumption model is mainly based on the exploitation and use of too much energy from fossil fuels and non-recyclable resources. This is a type of "brown economic" development, causing many environmental damage emissions: Air pollution, water resources, land degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss... These damages not only affect the environment but also directly threaten human life and livelihoods.
Therefore, green growth is a trendy choice and of global stature. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has proposed the concept of developing a "Green Economy" as a new direction, which has been supported by many countries. This is a low-carbon economy, saving resources, aiming to improve human life and improve social justice.
So what is the nature of green economy and green growth, sir?
- In essence, developing a green economy and green growth is the implementation of sustainable development in new conditions. That is, we must increase GDP, improve quality of life associated with the goal of environmental protection and regeneration. The strategy and implementation methods must be based on the specific conditions of each country and each stage.
This concept is very flexible, highly open, and is increasingly shaped by the highlights of greening production and consumption sectors: Green energy, green transportation, green urban areas, green industry, green lifestyle... Global markets will also gradually follow the green value chain, with investment and trade regulated by sustainable development principles.
In your opinion, is green growth in conflict with traditional economic development?
- No, vice versa. In the long term, green development will help the economy become more efficient. The green investment scenario proposed by UNEP shows that if about 2% of global GDP is invested in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, clean water and fishery, it will not only improve environmental quality but also help increase the total amount of wealth globally. This is a road that is not only economically effective but also ensures livelihoods for the poor - the group most severely affected by climate change and ecological degradation.
Green growth is not in conflict with sustainable development. It is the means to achieve sustainable development. If sustainable development is the goal, green economy is the way.
In your opinion, which country is taking the lead and leaving a profound lesson in this journey?
- We can see many lessons from practice. China, after more than 30 years of hot development, is now paying a heavy price for the degraded environment.
China is forced to switch to a green growth strategy: Re-planning industrial parks, developing environmental technology, building millions of green houses, establishing environmentally friendly transportation systems... New industrial parks no longer prioritize the pollution industry but focus on high technology, clean energy, tourism...
So what about the US, Europe or the OECD countries?
- The US has shifted strongly to a low-carbon economy after the 2008 financial crisis, applying energy-saving policies, developing green technology in both agriculture and industry. The US spends $80 billion on green projects, including $20 billion on renewable energy and $22 billion on resource saving. They invest in green infrastructure, green housing, green transportation and support programs for the use of solar energy, biogas...
In Europe, Germany is expecting the environmental technology sector to grow fourfold, surpassing the auto industry. Japan has seriously implemented the 3R strategy - reduce, recycle, reuse - while investing heavily in new energy sectors. South Korea also stood out when it set aside up to 80% of its economic stimulus package to serve green growth.
For developing countries like Vietnam, is it too much to pursue green growth?
- This is an important question. The challenge is huge: Technology is outdated, lacking capital, and implementation capacity is still weak. However, that is why we need to participate in this trend to take a shortcut. greening the economy will help Vietnam recover renewable resources, protect the environment, improve welfare and reduce poverty.
We are not alone. Countries in the region such as Laos and Cambodia are all building green growth strategies. P4G is a very good opportunity for Vietnam to take advantage of cooperation, receive support and improve institutional capacity. The main thing is the need for political determination, inter-sectoral coordination, and a suitable and consistent implementation strategy.
Sincerely thank you!
