If sea levels rise by 2 metres, up to 92% of the Mekong Delta region’s total area will be innundated, according to the country’s latest climate change scenario announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The scenario showed that the Mekong Delta region would be hardest-hit by rising sea levels. If there is a rise of 1%, 2.5% of central coastal provinces, 10% of Red River Delta area, 20% of HCM City and 39% of the Mekong Delta region will be submerged, affecting 7%, 9%, 9% and 35% of the population respectively.
The majority of the Mekong Delta provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Kien Giang and Hau Giang will face high risk of being put under water. Meanwhile, District 2, 9, Binh Tan, Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi and Can Gio will be affected the most.
The scenario showed that, climate change has become more serious. Average annual temperatures could rise in the northern central region by 3.5 degrees and rainfall in the dry season across the whole country could decrease by 30%, compared to just 2.8 degrees and 18% outlined in the 2009 scenario.
By 2100, the country’s average annual temperature rise would be 2-3 degrees, in which, localities from Ha Tinh to Quang Tri would face higher increases of 3.1 to 3.4 degrees. The number of days with temperatures over 35 degrees would increase by 10-20 days. Rainfall will decrease in the dry season, but increase during the rainy season. Some localities could have unusually high rainfall, double the current record levels.