Nam Binh 1 wind energy project in Dak Nong province, Vietnam's Central Highlands (Photo: VNA)

Dr. Do Nam Thang, an environment and climate change expert at the Australian National University, described this strong commitment as a historic breakthrough in Vietnam’s climate change response policy.

The net zero target has been endorsed by 140 countries.

Thang said realizing the target will be challenging for Vietnam, because it will require Vietnam to basically restructure its economy. But the pledge will motivate Vietnam to shift to a green, sustainable economy following the pandemic, relying on its own as well as foreign resources. Thang said Vietnam should map out a detailed, feasible plan to achieve net zero emissions that specifies sub-goals, the responsibilities of stakeholders, and an oversight mechanism.