These days, in the 21st century, the harmony between economic development and

environmental protection is a fundamental problem that humans must solve. The fact that
humanity faces various challenges to find out solutions.

First of all, we cannot deny the benefits of developing the economy. Creating jobs is one
of the significant advantages while the volume of the economy increases. In reality, of
course, economic development is leading to an expanded market and increased consumer
demands. It is required more labor to produce and deliver the products to customers.
Therefore, economic growth often goes hand in hand with growth in the number of jobs.

In addition, economic development also creates favorable conditions for new businesses
to be established and developed, creating new jobs and launching new products and
services. Larger enterprises also tend to expand their operations, expand and production
scale, leading to the need to recruit more workers.

Secondly, an upward trend in the economy is a signal for the growth of other fields. For
example, when the government of a country has enough a source of money, they can
invest in infrastructure such as streets, schools, hospitals, etc. As a result, many modern
buildings are erected, and the construction industry gains considerable growth. The rise
of the economy acts as a precursor to leveling up the standard of living.

Because of economic potential, the manufacturing industry easily produces many

essential, innovative products to adapt to human needs better. So, people seem to live
comfortably and have a tendency to enjoy many different lifestyles. Technology is one of
the careers which is promoted by the economy. The more developing economics the more
technology innovated. That is the reason why many state-of-the-art devices were born,
and they help to save a lot of time.

Thirdly, the economy is the basis of many achievements of the sciences. Advanced
medical technologies are found and enhanced, leading to high survival for patients and
increased life expectancy. If health is more innovative day by day, humans will be against
the pandemic and some diseases of cancer.

Moreover, all of that improvement creates positive effects on the economy such as
increasing workers' incomes, reducing unemployment rates, increasing consumption
capacity and making positive contributions to overall economic development.
However, in exchange for a superior economy, the environment has to suffer much
damage. Recently, environmental pollution is more clearly identified.
Firstly, air pollution is one of the serious environmental problems. The quality of the
atmosphere is worse and worse because of the carbon footprint. Dozens of factories were
built and at the same time emitted tons of smoke. Thus, air pollution hurts human health.
Toxic wastes discharged from factories and factories can cause health problems for
people. Toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and dioxin can cause health problems
such as cancer, infertility, and nervous system problems.
Next, water pollution is a problem that is difficult to solve. The discharge of waste, into
rivers, lakes, streams, and seas will pollute the water, making the water cloudy and
unsightly. If the concentration of toxins is too high, the water will no longer be safe to
use for humans and animals. This can lead to health problems, including infectious
diseases and breathing problems.
Seriously, some environmental problems are an effect on animals. Toxic wastes such as
heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals can reduce the number of animals in their
habitat. This affects the food chain and can cause the extinction of some animals.
Besides, the disposal of household waste is a daunting task for local authorities.
Household waste contains many materials and substances which are harmful to the
environment. Then, the discharge of wastes into the environment can cause
environmental problems, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and loss of land
and resources. other natural resources.
Finally, in many cases, just for the sake of short-term profit, humans decide to trade off
the balance of the environment. For instance, excessive deforestation causes soil erosion.
The discharge of wastes into the river causes an imbalance in the marine ecosystem. In
short, the economy is an indirect cause of environmental damage, in which the main
factor is humans
So, the question is is it possible to balance the economy and the environment or is it
necessary to choose one of those? The following paragraphs will discuss this, especially
the situation in Vietnam.
Although the economic benefits are great, Vietnam still values environmental protection
activities. From Vietnam’s perspective, The safeguarding of the environment is a
pressing worldwide concern that requires a sustained and ongoing effort involving
collaboration among all nations and governments. Developed nations in particular have a
responsibility to provide aid to developing countries in the areas of expertise in
development planning, financial support, and technology. This is a continual process that
requires dedication and commitment from all involved parties.
At the meeting receiving Erik Solheim, Executive Director of the United Nations
Environment Program (UN Environment) on the morning of August 7 at Government
Headquarters, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed: "The Vietnamese government is
always determined to protect the environment with the view of not trading the
environment for economic development."
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung emphasized the importance of the government's
role in protecting the environment by establishing policies and legal frameworks that
support socio-economic development. Additionally, Vietnam should focus on developing
renewable energy, science, and technology appropriate to its unique conditions,
enhancing human resources and expertise in environmental matters, and increasing public
and business awareness. Vietnam has committed to a sustainable and eco-friendly
development path, in which the private sector is taking the lead in reducing greenhouse
gases, controlling emission sources, and managing waste on-site, while science and
technology play a vital role.
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung expressed his desire for the United Nations
Environment Program to provide ongoing assistance to Vietnam in refining its
environmental policies and laws. He also sought support in the implementation of
national action programs to address climate change, sea level rise, greenhouse gas
emissions reduction, and forest protection. Additionally, he asked for assistance in the
development of national reports on the implementation of international environmental
conventions that Vietnam is a member of, the appointment of experts to facilitate the
exchange of environmental protection experiences and related matters, and support for
training and improving the quality of human resources.

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trien-kinh-te.html

Despite its best efforts, Vietnam still cannot avoid the consequences of economic
development affecting the environment. Based on the General Statistics Office's report,
Vietnam has now exceeded 90 million people, making it the 13th most populated country
globally and the third largest in Southeast Asia. The population has grown by more than
4.5 million individuals over the last five years, equating to an average annual increase of
one million people.
However, rapid population growth leads to greater demands for various resources such as
education, medical care, transportation, housing, employment, etc. This expansion puts
pressure on both the natural and social environment. Domestic wastewater treatment is a
significant problem, with an average of 80% of the water supplied for domestic use
becoming domestic wastewater. The primary contaminants in domestic wastewater are
TSS, BOD5, COD, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus, along with inorganic components,
microorganisms, and pathogens that cause illness. Despite the opening of some high-
capacity domestic wastewater treatment plants, such as the Binh Hung wastewater
treatment plant in Ho Chi Minh City and the Yen So wastewater treatment plant in Hanoi,
which have capacities of 141,000 m3/day and 200,000m3/day, respectively, the
proportion of treated domestic wastewater has only increased by 4% - 5% compared to
2010 and accounts for only 10% - 11% of the total amount of urban wastewater.
Vietnam's economy suffers an annual GDP loss of up to 5% due to environmental and air
pollution, according to the World Bank. Predictions from the National Center for Socio-
Economic Information and Forecasting suggest that between 2016 and 2020, the
country's average yearly growth in social investment and employment will decrease by
around 1.2% and 0.08% respectively. Additionally, annual consumption growth is
expected to decrease by an average of 0.1%.
https://tapchicongthuong.vn/bai-viet/phan-tich-moi-quan-he-giua-moi-truong-va-phat-
trien-kinh-te-o-viet-nam-47724.htm
The National Center for Socio-economic Information and Forecast (under the Ministry of
Planning and Investment) has conducted research showing that Vietnam's economy is
currently undergoing a significant transition period, with hopes of achieving a
breakthrough in restructuring efforts. The goal is to change the growth model and
enhance the economy's competitiveness. Nonetheless, the country's economic progress is
at risk of being compromised by the escalating consequences of climate change and
environmental pollution.
There are numerous solutions available for the problem at hand, but the challenge lies in
implementing them efficiently. The pace of climate change is advancing quicker than the
measures Vietnam is presently taking. As a result, there is a need to assess and upgrade
their strategies at a faster and more appropriate rate to keep up with the changing
circumstances. This includes synchronized and effective solutions that can be applied
promptly in the future. This was noted by Mr. Dang Duc Anh- Head of the Forecast
Analysis Department of the National Center for Socio-Economic Information and
Forecast.
https://doanhnghiepkinhtexanh.vn/kinh-te-viet-nam-co-the-bi-de-doa-do-anh-huong-cua-
moi-truong-a8771.html
There are some overall solutions proposed by the Prime Minister:
Encourage a significant transformation in the level of responsibility towards
environmental protection among all sectors, organizations, businesses and individuals.
Increase the dissemination of information on environmental protection laws and educate
people and businesses to ensure their correct and comprehensive understanding of these
laws, regulations, requirements, and standards. Foster a complete awareness of the
responsibility and duty to protect the environment and consciously put it into practice.
Enhance environmental protection laws and management institutions, and reinforce the
capacity for law enforcement. Amend and refine mechanisms and policies to integrate
environmental protection requirements in strategies, master plans, plans, and policies for
socio-economic development, following sustainable development regulations. Quickly
establish a framework of monitoring and evaluation indicators to assess the effectiveness
and efficiency of state management in environmental protection.
To accelerate environmental protection, prioritize scientific research, development, and
application of advanced technology. Foster scientific research on environmental issues
and the development and application of high-end technology in environmental protection.
Promote the significant role of science and technology in enhancing and optimizing the
quality and efficiency of the economy, and in advancing the transition to a green
economy.
Developing the environmental economy can help address environmental issues, promote
economic growth, and create employment opportunities. Focus on developing key
environmental economic sectors and fields, and establish a supportive legal framework
with preferential and supportive policies. Develop various sectors and fields that supply
eco-friendly products and goods, such as recycled products and energy production from
waste. Implement stimulus packages to promote the consumption of these products, and
to accelerate the establishment and growth of the environmental economy.
To improve environmental protection, it is necessary to increase and diversify
investment. Gradually raise the percentage of recurrent expenditure from the state budget
for environmental protection, aiming to reach 2% of the total budget expenditure.
Promote appropriate use of management and efficiency of environmental non-business
funding sources. Enhance the role and responsibilities of the natural resources and
environment sector in allocating and monitoring budget expenditures for environmental
protection, ensuring that environmental non-business funding is utilized alongside
environmental responsibility. Ensure that the investment level and structure for
environmental protection in development investment, production, and business are
reasonable.
In summary, in recent years, Vietnam's economy has achieved promising progress
through dedicated efforts. However, the rapid economic development has posed a threat
to the environment. Nevertheless, the Vietnamese government has not prioritized
economic growth at the expense of environmental protection. The Party and the State
have implemented effective policies for environmental protection. Vietnam should persist
in prioritizing environmental protection as a long-term goal.
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