Climate change and human health in Vietnam: a systematic review and additional analyses on current impacts, future risk, and adaptation
Nu Quy Linh Tran, Hong H. T. C. Le, Cong Tuan Pham, Huong Nguyen, Ngoc Dang Tran, Tuyet-Hanh Thi Tran, Son Nghiem, Ly M.T. Luong, Vinh Bui, Thong Nguyen‐Huy, Quang‐Van Doan, Kim Anh Dang, Thi Hoai Thuong, Hieu K.T. Ngo, Nguyễn Trường Viên, Ngoc Huy Nguyen, Manh Cuong, Tuan Nghia Ton, Thi Anh Thu Dang, Nguyen Duc Kien, Xuan Bach Tran, Phong K. Thai, Dung Phung
Abstract
This study aims to investigate climate change's impact on health and adaptation in Vietnam through a systematic review and additional analyses of heat exposure, heat vulnerability, awareness and engagement, and projected health costs. Out of 127 reviewed studies, findings indicated the wider spread of infectious diseases, and increased mortality and hospitalisation risks associated with extreme heat, droughts, and floods. However, there are few studies addressing health cost, awareness, engagement, adaptation, and policy. Additional analyses showed rising heatwave exposure across Vietnam and global above-average vulnerability to heat. By 2050, climate change is projected to cost up to USD1-3B in healthcare costs, USD3-20B in premature deaths, and USD6-23B in work loss. Despite increased media focus on climate and health, a gap between public and government publications highlighted the need for more governmental engagement. Vietnam's climate policies have faced implementation challenges, including top-down approaches, lack of cooperation, low adaptive capacity, and limited resources.