Viet Nam at the Forefront
of Climate-Resilient Urban Development
Cities around the world are grappling with the relentless impacts of rising temperatures, and Can Tho, located in the heart of Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta, is no exception. With cooling demand projected to rise by 34% by 2030 and heatwaves predicted to last six times longer by the end of the century, the stakes for climate resilience have never been higher. These escalating pressures threaten public health, economic productivity, and the very fabric of urban life. Against this backdrop, a vital workshop was convened to chart a transformative course for Can Tho’s future.
On 9 January 2025, the UNEP Cool Coalition and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) hosted a landmark consultation workshop at the Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho Hotel. The gathering brought together 38 stakeholders from the Viet Nam Department of Climate Change, local agencies, academia, and the private sector. As part of the “Sustainable Urban Cooling in Viet Nam Cities” project, this workshop aimed to finalize the Urban Cooling Action Plan (UCAP) for Can Tho and review a Pre-Feasibility Study for priority cooling initiatives. The event marked a critical milestone in Can Tho’s journey toward sustainable urban development.
The UCAP, developed through collaboration between international and local experts, provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the city’s pressing urban heat challenges. It combines cutting-edge strategies like increasing shaded areas by urban vegetation and geometry, optimizing urban natural ventilation, and adopting passive cooling and energy-efficient designs at both urban and building levels, such as reflective roofs, heat-proof building envelopes, well-ventilated floor plans, and spatial layouts. These tailored interventions consider the unique urban structure and socio-economic realities of Can Tho, ensuring both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.
The Pre-Feasibility Study, another of the workshop, evaluated key projects such as the New Urban Area and Centralized IT Park, emphasizing innovative solutions like shaded streets and passive building designs. These efforts are designed not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to lower energy consumption, creating a cooler and more urban environment.
More than a technical exercise, the workshop was a platform for capacity-building and collaboration. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on integrating urban cooling solutions into local policies and urban planning frameworks. These exchanges highlighted the importance of aligning Can Tho’s efforts with Viet Nam’s broader climate commitments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 on sustainable cities and Goal 13 on climate action. By fostering local expertise and harnessing global best practices, the event underscored the transformative potential of collective action.
The outcomes of the workshop were as significant as they were promising. Stakeholders reached consensus on the recommendations outlined in the UCAP, paving the way for formal approval by Can Tho’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Technical solutions and governance pathways were refined to ensure their feasibility and scalability, not just in Can Tho but across other cities in Viet Nam. Local insights, particularly from Can Tho University and community leaders, enriched the proposed strategies, grounding them in the realities of the city’s unique context.
This workshop represents a model for urban resilience across Viet Nam and Asia as a whole. As part of the UNEP Cool Coalition’s broader initiative in the region, Can Tho’s experience will serve as a blueprint for other cities, including Tam Ky, demonstrating how sustainable cooling can mitigate urban heat while advancing national climate goals. The lessons learned here offer invaluable insights into how cities can address the urgent challenges of rising temperatures and growing energy demands, paving the way for scalable solutions that benefit communities far beyond Viet Nam.
Through bold collaboration and innovative thinking, the UNEP Cool Coalition and GGGI are helping Can Tho lead the charge toward a cooler, greener, and more sustainable future. That way, a step forward for one city, is a leap toward climate resilience for urban worldwide.
For further details, visit: https://custa.cantho.gov.vn/tham-van-ve-giai-phap-lam-mat-ben-vung-tai-khu-vuc-do-thi-o-thanh-pho-can-tho