Independent experts must balance interests of developers, environment

Energy and environment expert Nguyen Tho Nhan spoke to Thoi bao Kinh te Sai Gon (Sai Gon Economic Times) about issues affecting Viet Nam

What do you think about the fact that the poor are increasingly bearing the consequences of natural calamities; canals and rivers are becoming exhausted; mountains are disappearing; all to serve economic growth?

Everyone says sustainable development and environmental protection are essential for economic growth. But it is easier said than done. Despite a law against illegal logging, for example, the State has not yet been able to resolve that problem. The responsibility lies in the determination of local authorities at different levels.

Perhaps the Viet Nam Government has too much on its plate, so it has not yet given environment protection appropriate attention. But things are beginning to change as floods and storms and climate change influence the debate and contribute to the people's awareness, not only in Viet Nam but also throughout the world.

What is your assessment of Viet Nam's contributions to climate change mitigation?

It is necessary for the press and scientists to make people aware of the roots of the problem: man's failure to protect the environment. Then everyone will know how they can contribute to environmental protection, such as by saving energy and eating less meat to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to choose careers in areas that don't pollute the environment.

But there are problems with the State's macroscopic policy, such as the rampant growth of hydroelectricity plants?

Every Government throughout the world wants to achieve sustainable growth. The answer lies in planning and research – enhancing our ability to forecast calamities in advance – thus enabling us to introduce environmentally safe measures and criteria when designing hydroelectricity projects. It is difficult to prevent problems without a comprehensive study of the environmental impacts or if priority is given solely to economic growth rather than sustainable growth.

There is a contradiction of interest between developers and environmentalists. Is the Government short of ‘bandmasters' to chair the factions?

There is a shortage of long-term vision; people who understand environment issues are necessary. For example, as a researcher in nuclear energy I am interested in the building of a nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan Province. It has been recommended that a management board be set up to oversee the plant instead of relying on the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It is a good recommendation.

The Viet Nam Coal and Mineral Group will begin importing coal from 2012. What do you think?

Viet Nam's energy sector will rely on coal from now till 2035, so importing coal is a matter of course.

The energy crisis is deepening while resources are being exhausted. Do scientists set a too difficult task for the State if they seek priority for rescuing the environment?

Scientists sound warnings, within the limits of what they know, to avoid disastrous consequences. It is sensible to listen to such warnings if the country wants to pursue sustainable development.

It is possible to solve the deficiency of energy in many ways which would impact more or less on economic development, but destroying the environment would impact on our lives and those of future generations. — VNS