Project Description
The Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Study, launched in early 2008 and submitted in July 2009, was the city’s foundational step toward climate resilience. Located in the flood-prone estuary of the Saigon-Dong Nai River system, HCMC faces acute risks from tidal floods, storm surges, and rainfall exacerbated by urban growth and climate change. The study analyzed projected threats to the city’s infrastructure, communities, and economy by 2050, particularly under scenarios of urban expansion and increased migration. As a key hub in Vietnam’s Southern Economic Focal Region, HCMC’s vulnerability to climate change has national economic implications.
Objectives, Activities and Results
The study assessed the potential impacts of climate change on urban planning, infrastructure, transportation, water resources, energy, and public health. Key findings revealed that 30–70% of planned transport infrastructure, 70% of agricultural land, and a significant portion of water and waste facilities could face flood or salinity risks by 2050. Recommendations focused on integrating climate risk into strategic and spatial development plans, highlighting the urgent need for detailed adaptation planning. The study provided a roadmap for mainstreaming climate resilience across all sectors, ensuring that future development aligns with the city’s adaptation priorities.
Links
Ho Chi Minh City Adaptation to Climate Change: Summary Report
Ho Chi Minh City Adaptation to Climate Change: Executive Summary
