28/08/2023
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We all share this beloved Earth as our common home, in which any harm we inflict upon it will ultimately come back to us in the form of adverse consequences. Sometimes, even a small, seemingly insignificant action can have a profound impact on our shared home, on Mother Nature, and on our own health.
How Have Humans Damaged Nature and the Environment?
Each year, tens of thousands of hectares of forests are destroyed because of deforestation for timber, wildfires, landslides, and other causes, inflicting deep wounds on Mother Nature. Concurrently, the environment is becoming increasingly polluted because of indiscriminate littering, the release of untreated waste into nature, and the severe deforestation that exacerbates these issues. All of these have led to drastic natural changes, listed as increasingly harsh climates, more intense natural disasters like storms and floods, and the gradual loss of balance in ecosystems. The fact that these changes have profound and unpredictable impacts on humanity; reminds us that the consequences of our actions are far-reaching and often irreversible.
Only 0.25% of Vietnam's primary forests remain intact! What can UEHers do?
According to information gathered at the National Conference on the Management of Special-Use Forests in 2019, Vietnam had achieved 14.6 million hectares of forested land, with forest coverage estimated at 42%. However, primary forests across the nation accounted for only 0.25%. What will the future of primary forests look like in 2023?
The area of natural forests remaining is very limited and their quality has significantly declined. While these are being natural forests, they have transitioned from being rich and moderately stocked in the past to being poor and depleted today.
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In the past: Over 250m³ of timber per hectare of forest.
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At the present time: Only 25m³ of timber per hectare of forest.
From these statistics, it can be clearly recognized that the detrimental effects of the gradual disappearance of primary forests: the loss of habitats for wildlife, the disruption of ecosystem balance, increasingly complex and severe weather patterns, and, most notably, the growing pollution of our shared atmosphere. Therefore, protecting forests is crucial and directly linked to the United Nations' 13th Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Action. We must join hands and take action to safeguard our shared air. Planting and protecting forests means protecting the Earth's green lungs.
Social and Community Awareness
To address environmental issues, we must first elevate the collective awareness of society as well as the individual consciousness of each person. Destruction of forests, littering, and other harmful actions toward nature are all carried out by humans, and these behaviors largely stem from a lack of individual responsibility. Therefore, it is essential to implement appropriate communication and to outreach measures to deliver accurate and effective information to each individual, enhancing both personal and community awareness.
In addition, to minimize environmental harm, the government has introduced regulations to ensure that citizens fulfill their responsibilities and refrain from actions that negatively impact the natural environment. These measures aim to contribute to the effective restoration of our environment.
Starting from January 1, 2025, individuals and households will face fines if they fail to properly sort their waste
Waste has been becoming a major threat to our planet. Improper disposal, including littering and failing to sort waste correctly, all of which not only cause pollution but also damage the environment’s appearance. The release of untreated waste into nature severely impacts ecosystems, leading to their gradual destruction along with many other harmful consequences.
To effectively protect the environment, the government has introduced regulations on waste sorting and treatment. Specifically, starting from January 1, 2025, household solid waste classification will be mandatory for all individuals and households, as stated in Decree No. 45/2022/NĐ-CP (issued on July 7, 2022) regarding administrative penalties in environmental protection.
Regulations regarding Promote Waste Sorting Promotion at the Source:
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Fines from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND for households and individuals who fail to sort household solid waste or do not use the prescribed waste packaging.
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Fines from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND for littering on sidewalks, roads, or urban drainage systems; improperly disposing of wastewater on sidewalks and streets; or discarding plastic waste into lakes, canals, rivers, and seas.
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Fines from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND for improperly disposing of waste or wastewater in apartment complexes, commercial areas, service areas, or public spaces.
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Fines from 100,000 to 150,000 VND for littering cigarette butts, filters, or ashes in unauthorized areas within residential, commercial, or public spaces.
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Fines from 150,000 to 250,000 VND for improper personal hygiene (urination or defecation) in apartment complexes, commercial areas, service areas, or public places.
Let’s join hands to protect our forests, our environment, and the wildlife that depends on them. Linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15, protecting both land and marine ecosystems contributes to the preservation of life on our planet. Small actions can lead to significant environmental change. We all cherish our home, so let’s take action to safeguard it — don’t let it be harmed when we have the power to protect it.
"Being kind to the environment is not about how society is, actually, it is about who we are. Caring for the environment means caring for ourselves. No one wants to live in a place surrounded by waste."
"Using reusable containers when shopping - Being kind to the environment is not difficult at all!"
It's time for UEHers to take action! Let's practice the Green University principles:
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Save paper, paper, and more paper! (Important enough to repeat three times!)
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Conserve resources: electricity, air conditioning, electronic devices, washing water, and drinking water.
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Sort waste at the source.
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Love the forests through action!
Learn more about practicing Green University principles here: https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/dai-hoc-xanh-ueh/thuc-hanh-cac-nguyen-tac-dai-hoc-xanh
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WHY MUST WE PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT NOW?
Did you know that, according to NOAA statistics, Earth’s temperature in 2023 was 1.18°C hotter than the pre-industrial era? If global warming reaches or exceeds 1.5°C, natural systems will cross a dangerous threshold, leading to irreversible consequences.
We only have 250 billion tons of CO₂ left to emit before reaching this critical limit, yet the world is already emitting 40 billion tons per year.
We must act now - before it’s too late!
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UEH Green Campus - Green Monday Series “Monday to be better and greener” is part of the UEH Green Campus project, sharing the latest, most interesting, and important updates on the environment, sustainable living, and UEH’s Green University policies. Our goal is to build a community that works together for a greener university in every aspect.
“It’s time to go green” - If you’re unsure where to start your green journey, begin with Monday - every week!
News & Images by: UEH Green Campus Project
