Taking stock: From COVID-19 to climate change - How Vietnam can become the champion of green recovery
This paper assesses why Vietnam has not been as effective in dealing with environmental and climate challenges as with the COVID-19 crisis, which are arguably different but have also many similarities. The successful experience in implementing the right measures at the right time during the COVID-19 crisis deserves more attention as it can inspire policymakers in their commitment to address the environmental and climate challenges. First, the successful management of the pandemic has demonstrated (again) that it is better to be ready and to act early and boldly. Second, beyond vision and capacity, the ability to inspire experimentation and innovation is an effective way to change individual and collective behaviors, which is fundamental in the effort to cope with health and climate threats.
The paper concludes with two lessons from COVID-19 that can be applied to the environmental and climate challenges:
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Green recovery should be a top priority for Vietnam;
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Implementation matters for success, or “walking the talk”.
