Vietnam is a Southeast Asian nation with an extensive coastline and diverse but generally warm climate including temperate and tropical regions. In 2016 Vietnam’s population was estimated at 93 million, approximately one third of whom live in the metropolitan areas of its two mega-cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The relative contribution of agriculture, forestry, and fishing to the country’s economy has declined in recent years due to the rapid growth of the industry and service sectors. As of 2017, the agricultural sector contributed 15.3% of GDP, this is somewhat mismatched against an employment contribution of around 40.3% of the country’s labor force. Rice production has a particularly vital role for the country in terms of food security, rural employment and foreign exchange, employing two-thirds of the rural labor force and positioning Vietnam as one of the world’s largest rice exporters. Given that a high proportion of the country’s population and economic assets are located in coastal lowlands and deltas and rural areas face issues of poverty and deprivation, Vietnam has been ranked among the five countries likely to be most affected by climate change. It has been estimated that climate change will reduce national income by up to 3.5% by 2050 (The Economic Costs of Climate Change: A Multi-Sector Impact Assessment for Vietnam, 2015).

Vietnam demonstrates dedication to combating climate change through a range of national policies and concrete adaptation measures. In 2011, the National Climate Change Strategy was issued, outlining the objectives for 2016–2050. In 2012, the National Green Growth Strategy was approved, which includes mitigation targets and measures. In 2013, the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control was enacted, aiming to address diverse natural hazards that affect the country, which are primarily climate related. Additionally, the 2014 Law on Environment includes a full chapter on climate change. Vietnam ratified the Paris Agreement on November 3, 2016 and the associated Nationally Determined Contribution.