US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in Hanoi on the morning of February 23. Photo: Thanh Nien

At the Hilton Hotel (Hanoi), US President's Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry said that Vietnam has done its job well at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26, held in Glasgow (United Kingdom).

On the same day, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc discussed with John Kerry how Vietnam has accelerated activities to fulfill its commitments. Kerry suggested that the key to combating climate change is that Vietnam needs to reduce coal use and move towards abandoning this energy source.

Instead of coal for thermal power, Vietnam can rely on hydroelectricity, wind power, solar power, and offshore wind power. Therefore, Vietnam can have a balanced and more environmentally friendly electricity supply than coal.

"Although coal causes emissions, many countries continue to use this energy source for economic activities," according to the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. He said it's time to say no to thermal power and create an appropriate energy source conversion towards cleaning the air, improving the living environment, and protecting people's health.

Kerry reiterated a warning that has been mentioned by many reports before, including from the United Nations and the World Bank: Vietnam is one of the countries most heavily affected by climate change.

John Kerry view information about green energy projects supported by the US. Photo: Thanh Nien

Kerry gives the example of how the Mekong Delta, which is threatened by sea level rise and food sources, will be severely affected without the right transition.

He also appreciates that Vietnam made important commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Vietnam is aiming for timely actions in responding to climate change issues.

John Kerry speaks at the event. Photo: Thanh Nien

According to John Kerry, Vietnam is currently a leading regional partner in the US Indo-Pacific Strategy. The US government is "eager" to cooperate with Vietnam to facilitate and accelerate the transfer of clean energy technology. President Biden has demonstrated strong support for Vietnam to possess new technologies and in line with energy policy.

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