Ha Noi accelerates climate change response, aiming toward a sustainable green city

Notably, the newly issued plan by People's Committee of Ha Noi demonstrates the strong commitment of the metropolis to environment protection, ensuring sustainable way of life while realizing the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Environmental protection is a central and long-term priority

Implementing Resolution No. 122/NQ-CP (May 8, 2025) of the Government and Conclusion No. 81-KL/TW (June 4, 2024) of the Political Bureau. Ha Noi has recognized responding to climate change, natural resource management and environmental protection as central and long-term priority.

Ha Noi has presented comprehensive solutions from institutional improvement to infrastructure investment, along with promoting green transition to raise public awareness. The city has set out specific goals, including: reinforcing disaster prevention infrastructure, improving forecasting, reducing risks due to extreme climates, improving air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emission and developing renewable energy.

Notably, Ha Noi has pledged to ensuring that 100 percent of industrial zones and clusters have standard-compliant wastewater treatment systems; 95 percent of urban household waste is collected and properly treated; and over 90 percent of water extraction and usage are strictly monitored.

The city aims to reduce the rate of clean water loss to 10 percent, and ensure over of 80 percent rural households will have access to clean water. Ha Noi also affirms the principle of "not trading the environment for economic growth", working toward proactive approach to prevention, control and recovery.

Representative from Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Environment stated that the plan's balance between economic growth and environmental protection is the long-strategy to safeguard the people amid climate change.

Education and communication – the foundation for transforming mindset

To realize it's goal, Ha Noi will integrate environmental protection media to primary school curriculum, while also launching campaigns to promote green movement and reduce plastic waste among communities and businesses.

The plan also designated distinct roles for each department, sector, locality and the community. With the Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Environment as the lead, together with the Department of Finance, Department of Culture and Sport, Department of Education and Training along with supports the Fatherland Front, will all work toward the goal of set to protect the environment.

The city places emphasis on mobilizing green investment, international cooperation and technological application. High-tech projects, energy-saving initiatives, and environmentally friendly products are encouraged.

Ha Noi residents are also encouraged to separate waste products, reduce the use of single-plastic, conserve water source and further monitored waste emission. Many streets have seen a reduction in plastic waste and water quality of inner-city lakes are gradually improving.

Long-term strategy for 20250

For the long-term vision, Ha Noi aims to develop a low-carbon economy, closely linking green growth with the protection of natural resources and biodiversity. Integration of climate change adaptation into socio-economic planning a strategic move to ensure both development and conservation. Plan No. 249/KH-UBND, along with a series of implemented solutions, demonstrates the city government's strong commitment to both protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for the residents.

More importantly, Ha Noi's success stems not only from the effort of the government at all levels but also from the active involvement of businesses and the Ha Noi residents. Every action, no matter how minor, have contributed toward the greater sustainable goal. With a long-term vision toward 2050, Ha Noi is asserting its pioneering role in the fight against climate change and the vital role of center for sustainable development for the nation./.