02/07/2025
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Keywords: The law of contradiction; Economic growth; Environmental protection; Sustainable development
In the context of increasingly deep globalization and modernization, the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection is becoming a key issue in Vietnam's journey towards sustainable development. This is also the main topic of the research conducted by a group of students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) with the title: “The dialectical relationship between economic growth and environmental protection: Some issues raised for sustainable development in Vietnam today” - focusing on clarifying the core contradictions in the current development process, while proposing feasible solutions to promote sustainable development, contributing to the formation of a responsible, proactive, and active generation of Vietnamese citizens in the common development of the nation and the school.
Economic growth and its environmental consequences
Economic growth – measured by the increase in GDP – is a driving force that helps improve living standards, reduce unemployment, and promote social welfare. However, in Vietnam, the growth model primarily based on resource extraction, processing industries, and exports has put significant pressure on the environment: from air and water pollution to the depletion of natural resources and climate change.
Environmental protection – an indispensable pillar for a sustainable future
Environmental protection includes activities aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of the natural environment, minimizing and preventing pollution, and conserving biodiversity. In Vietnam, the 2020 Environmental Protection Law and the 2021-2030 Green Growth Strategy emphasize waste management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting renewable energy. However, the implementation is still limited due to a lack of resources and the community's awareness is not yet high.
The contradiction between economic growth and environmental protection
In the process of socio-economic development, the unity between economic growth and environmental protection is a key factor towards sustainable development. From the perspective of the law of contradiction in Marxist-Leninist philosophy, the relationship between these two factors clearly demonstrates their mutual dependence and transformation: economic growth provides the resources to invest in environmental protection, while a well-preserved environment serves as the foundation for stable and long-term growth.
However, between these two factors, there also exists the opposing aspect of the law. Economic growth often requires resource exploitation and production expansion, while environmental protection demands resource control and pollution reduction. This contradiction, if properly identified and balanced, will become an intrinsic motivation driving development.
Source: (Ngọc Han, 2023) https://tinyurl.com/ym8n2yxz
Sustainable development requires focusing on building a sustainable economic development model, while also ensuring the effective implementation of environmental protection measures and the use of natural resources. Achieving sustainable development requires the participation and contribution of all stakeholders, including the government, businesses, communities, and civil society. The harmony and positive interaction between these parties are crucial factors in achieving the country's sustainable development goals.
The difficulties in achieving Sustainable Development goals are clearly evident in large urban areas, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, where the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City is located, as the school's Green Campus mission continuously faces challenging environmental demands such as waste management, energy consumption, and maintaining green spaces.
Source: (baochinhphu.vn, 2019) https://tinyurl.com/yvbuaswb
Research foundation
This study is based on the law of contradiction – the core principle of Marxist-Leninist philosophy, which refers to the unity and struggle between opposing aspects in all things and phenomena (Department of Political Theory, UEH, 2022). According to Engels, internal contradictions are the driving force behind movement and development, with the factors that generate dialectical contradictions being opposing aspects, parts, attributes, etc., which often change in opposite directions but coexist objectively in all things and phenomena in nature, society, and thought.
The group also combines theoretical and practical analysis, using methods such as: (1) document analysis to clarify concepts and policies; (2) analyzing statistical data from the General Statistics Office and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; (3) comparing the situation in Vietnam with other countries (such as South Korea, the EU) regarding the carbon market and green technology. The proposed model focuses on three factors: unity (economic growth requires a stable environment), struggle (economic exploitation causes environmental pollution), and transformation (green policies and technologies help resolve conflicts).
Research results
The study has shown that the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection is not simply competitive or conflicting; in reality, they interact in a complex manner and require multifaceted consideration. The traditional development model based on uncontrolled resource consumption and environmental emissions will not be able to continue to exist and progress towards sustainability. Inefficient exploitation of natural resources, environmental pollution, climate change, and unbalanced economic and social development are identified as factors negatively impacting the cause of sustainable development. However, the authors' group finds that there are always opportunities and solutions that can be applied to create a new, better development model aimed at the above goals.
Applying the law of contradiction, we can gain a clearer understanding of the imbalanced relationship between economic growth and environmental protection. And by confronting these contradictions, our country can create practical policies and measures to promote economic growth without harming the environment. This requires close cooperation between government agencies, businesses, communities, and social organizations.
Overall, Vietnam's sustainable development not only relies on economic growth but also ensures that the natural environment is protected and maintained. We need to build a harmonious development model, while also promoting the spirit of cooperation and raising awareness about the crucial role of environmental protection in ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation.
Policy implications
From a policy implication perspective, the research proposes several key solutions at both the state management level and the grassroots level, aimed at promoting sustainable development and effective environmental protection.
First of all, for the government levels, it is necessary to urgently issue and adjust the system of policies and laws to respond to environmental challenges caused by the rapid urbanization in Vietnam. In addition, enhancing investment in education and training with a sustainable orientation is extremely necessary, especially focusing on developing high-quality human resources in the field of science and technology linked to environmental protection efforts. At the same time, it is necessary to continuously innovate training methods, create an innovative learning environment, encourage practical application and real-world implementation, contributing to the overall capacity enhancement of learners. In addition, strengthening environmental education in schools and communities to raise awareness about the role of environmental protection in sustainable development is an urgent requirement.
For the UEH Green Campus model, the research team proposes specific solutions to create a friendly and sustainable school environment. First of all, it is necessary to effectively implement waste management activities, including establishing a scientific waste collection, transportation, and treatment system, while also encouraging source separation of waste by providing specialized bins for each type of waste, such as organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste. Organizing educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness about recycling and waste reduction needs to be strengthened, combined with activities that support the reuse and recycling of materials to minimize the final waste released into the environment. In addition, efficient energy consumption and the application of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are important solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save operating costs. The use of energy-efficient electrical appliances, LED lights, and high-performance air conditioning systems needs to be implemented uniformly in buildings and campus areas. Finally, maintaining and developing green spaces on the UEH campus plays an essential role in improving air quality, creating a clean learning and working environment, while also helping to reduce stress and enhance the learning experience for students and faculty. The green outdoor spaces need to be designed thoughtfully to create favorable conditions for studying, living, and resting, contributing to the development of a sustainable and nature-friendly university environment.
These solutions not only help UEH Green Campus become a sustainable and environmentally friendly learning environment but also contribute to educating and raising students' awareness about environmental protection.
The research has indirectly contributed to SDG 11 and 13. See the article ‘’Applying the law of contradiction in resolving the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection towards sustainable development in Vietnam today’’ HERE.
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Tuong Vy, Trinh Ngoc Minh Chau - University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.
This article is part of the Green Research Community series with the message "Research Contribution for UEH Living Lab Green Campus." UEH cordially invites the community to watch the next edition of the Green Research Community newsletter.
*In order to create the best conditions for the development of the "UEH Green Research Community," community members will be able to attend a scientific research methodology class related to the topics of Living Lab and Green Campus. In addition, when the product meets the standards, the research team will receive a Certificate from the UEH Sustainable University Project Board and funding support for a qualifying project.
Additional information:
SDG 8 – Sustainable economic growth and decent work aim to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This goal encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and reduces unemployment, while also protecting workers' rights in the globalized economy.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities aims to build resilient, safe, and sustainable urban areas and communities by improving the quality of living environments, managing waste effectively, and ensuring access to basic services for all residents. A sustainable city not only focuses on physical infrastructure but also includes the awareness and behavior of residents in protecting the shared living environment.
SDG 13 – Climate Action calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its negative impacts, through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience, and raising community awareness. This goal not only includes national-level policies but also requires changes in individual and community behaviors in daily life, especially in areas directly related to waste generation and management.
News, photos: UEH Green Campus Project, UEH Youth Union - UEH Student Association, UEH Media and Partner Development Board
Voiceover: Thanh Kieu
