Stronger coordination needed to cut methane emissions

As Viet Nam moves toward its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, announced at COP26, the country is facing a major challenge: reducing methane (CH4) emissions - a greenhouse gas that is around 80 times more powerful than CO2 in trapping heat during its first 20 years in the atmosphere. With agriculture accounting for roughly 67% of the country’s total methane emissions, the sector has become a central focus in Viet Nam’s climate strategy.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Mai Van Trinh, methane in agriculture mainly comes from two activities: rice cultivation and livestock farming. In rice production, continuously flooded fields create oxygen-poor conditions that allow anaerobic bacteria to break down organic matter and release methane. In livestock farming, methane is produced through the digestive process of ruminant animals and from improperly treated animal waste.

Experts say methane reduction can deliver relatively fast climate benefits because methane remains in the atmosphere for only about 10 to 12 years - far shorter than CO2. This means that if emission sources are effectively controlled, positive environmental impacts could be seen much sooner.

A range of technical solutions has already been studied and introduced. In rice farming, alternate wetting and drying irrigation helps bring oxygen into the soil, limiting methane-producing bacteria and potentially reducing emissions by 40 to 50%. However, the method requires synchronized irrigation infrastructure and careful water management, which can involve significant investment costs.

In livestock farming, improving feed quality by adding more protein not only helps cut emissions but also increases meat and milk productivity. At the same time, biogas technology is considered a “two-in-one” solution because it both treats animal waste and generates renewable energy for household and farm use.

According to experts, Viet Nam has gradually improved its legal framework for greenhouse gas management. Decree 06/2022 and Decree 119/2025 are regarded as important foundations for greenhouse gas inventories, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems, and the development of a domestic carbon credit market.

The decrees also clearly define the responsibilities of ministries and agencies in managing emission sources. However, one of the biggest challenges lies in the fragmented and small-scale nature of agricultural production, which makes emission monitoring and reporting difficult. In addition, local technical capacity remains limited, while many farmers still lack sufficient knowledge about climate change and carbon markets.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Ha noted that a major gap at present is the lack of financial mechanisms for small-scale emitters. Many farms and households with low emission levels are not required to conduct greenhouse gas inventories, making it difficult for them to participate in carbon markets and generate additional income. Emission measurement is also still costly, while affordable rapid-assessment methods remain limited.

Even so, opportunities for Viet Nam are considerable. International organizations such as the World Bank and UNDP are willing to provide support in finance, technology, and carbon market development. Experts believe that with transparent mechanisms and suitable incentive policies, Viet Nam can effectively mobilize both domestic and international resources for methane reduction efforts.

Another issue highlighted by experts is the need to build circular value chains in agriculture. At present, crop production and livestock farming often operate separately, meaning agricultural by-products and animal waste are not fully utilized. By connecting these sectors more effectively, many types of waste could become valuable production inputs, helping move toward a “zero-waste” agricultural model.

To achieve sustainable methane reduction goals by 2030, experts stress the need to shift thinking from “waste treatment” to “resource recovery from waste.” Cutting emissions is not only an environmental responsibility but also an essential requirement for improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets, especially as more countries introduce carbon-related trade barriers.

At the same time, Viet Nam needs to continue investing in technology, shared infrastructure, and a national greenhouse gas emissions database. A coordinated and unified MRV system across ministries and sectors will provide a critical foundation for effective emissions management and the development of a transparent carbon market in the future.

Reducing methane emissions is no longer just an issue for the environmental or agricultural sectors alone. It is a broader sustainable development challenge that is directly linked to people’s livelihoods, business competitiveness, and the country’s green future.

Viet Dung - Minh Hanh