The report, “Losses and Damages – The Impacts of Climate Change on Poor People in Vietnam and Their Responses”, was based on results of a study conducted in Loc Ha district in the central province of Ha Tinh and Nam Can district in the southernmost province of Ca Mau from July to October 2010. 

According to the study, unusual weather phenomena derived from climate change, including early storms and prolonged rains, increased production costs as well as reduced productivity and people’s incomes. 

Local authorities and residents had made some adjustments in their daily life and production to adapt to changing weather patterns. However, these measures were mostly passive. 

The report put forward several recommendations, such as speeding up the implementation of the National Objective Programme on Reponses to Climate Change, especially the inclusion of climate change responses into local development strategies and plans, improving capacity of local officials and raising public awareness of climate change. 

It also suggested measures be applied in each specific area, with a focus on vulnerable groups, including poor people, women and children. 

According to the AAV, the report was considered a reference to be used at international forums to call for financial support from developed countries for poor nations to overcome damages and strengthen capacity to cope with climate change. 

The report was announced on the threshold of the UN Climate Change Conference, which opened in Cancun, Mexico on the same day.