In recent days, typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis have continuously struck many countries around the world, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region. Two consecutive quakes in Indonesia killed more than 5,000 people, injured 2,000 others, destroyed 20,000 houses and razed many villages to the ground. In Vietnam, people in the central region remain stunned after the destruction of storm Ketsana. In the country’s northern mountainous areas, flash floods have inflicted serious losses on the local people.

Every year, climate change claims the lives of at least 300,000 people worldwide and causes losses of up to US$125 billion, which is much higher than the world’s total aid. The economic loss is estimated to reach as much as US$600 billion by 2030.

Natural calamities also cause social instability, famines, and epidemics. If the current volume of exhaust fumes is not effectively controlled, 310 million people will suffer serious health problems, 20 million will fall into poverty, and 75 million will lose their houses over the next two decades.

Vietnam is one of the five nations around the world which are most vulnerable to climate change.

Efforts to minimize the impact of greenhouse gases require nations to work together. Besides raising public awareness, the international community needs to take joint action to reduce the release of carbon dioxide in developed countries by 25 - 40 percent in 2020.

In the wake of recent disasters, it is now imperative to preserve the remaining forests, mangrove forests and precious coral reefs. It is also urgent to plant eroded land and bare hills. Last but not least, to slow down climate change, we must put the brakes on the excessive consumption of fossil fuels and increase the use of environmentally friendly technologies.