Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Vietnam, US to cooperate in climate change

Monday, November 17, 2008

Vietnam, US to cooperate in climate change

Vietnam and the US have announced that they are to establish a joint working group to study effects of climate change as part of a bilateral agreement on scientific and technological cooperation.
To this effect, an agreement was signed by Dr Tran Thuc, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment and Dr. Greg Smith, a scientist with the US Department of the Interior, in Hanoi on November 17.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Cong Thanh said that the establishment of the Vietnam-US Working Group is an important event marking the start of the relationship between his ministry and the US Department of the Interior. “From this event, the two ministries will continue expanding their cooperation to other fields relating to the environment and natural resources,” he also said.The establishment of the working group will help to enhance the US ’ role in addressing world climate change issues, said Dr. Tran Thuc, who has been appointed as co-president of the working group. He added that this also lays a foundation for Vietnam to implement its national programme on climate change. A representative from Can Tho University told the event that the Delta Research and Global Observation Network (DRAGON) Centre will be formally inaugurated at the university on November 20. As an initiative undertaken by the US Department of the Interior, the centre will conduct research into climate change in the Mekong Delta, a densely populated, low-lying region with an extensive network of canals and rivers.
(Source: VNA)

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.