Forest fires supercharged by climate change are burning twice as much global tree cover as 20 years ago, according to a data Wednesday showing the equivalent of 16 football pitches are now lost every minute. The research showed in unprecedented detail how wildfires have progressed over the past two decades, with the blazes claiming an estimated three more million hectares each year -- an area the size of Belgium -- compared with 2001. The study showed that the majority of tree cover loss is occurring in the boreal forests that blanket much of Russia, Canada and Alaska, which are among the largest storers of carbon on Earth. Researchers from the University of Maryland used satellite imagery to map areas of tree cover lost, including that burned by what are known as stand-replacing forest fires. These are fires that kill all or most of the forest's canopy and which cause long-term changes to forest structure and soil chemistry. The data showed 2021 to be one of the worst years … [Read more...] about Climate change driving unprecedented forest fire loss
MND and MPS to enhance collaboration
The event was co-chaired by Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and Minister of Public Security General To Lam. Speaking at the working session, General Giang affirmed that since their establishment, the Vietnam People’s Army and the people’s public security force have always been loyal to the Party, State, and people, becoming key forces in the protection of the Fatherland, the national security, and the social order and safety. They have stood side by side in any circumstances to fulfill all assigned mission, contributing to creating a peaceful and stable environment for economic development and safeguarding the people’s life. The two forces have collaborated closely to deal with critical issues of defense and security, while regularly tightening their solidarity to build strength of each force in the national construction and protection cause. On the occasion of the 77th founding anniversary of the people’s public security force, on behalf of the Central … [Read more...] about MND and MPS to enhance collaboration
N.A. Standing Committee scrutinizes draft Law on Civil Defense
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, presented a Government proposal saying the bill is set to create a framework for the prevention and response to disasters and incidents, while protecting people’s assets and health. It also aims to deal with loopholes in the legal system, ensuring civil defense, he added. With seven chapters and 75 articles, the document focuses on six policies regarding the evaluation of disaster and incident risks in civil defense, assignment in State management and decentralization in the organization of prevention and response activities, civilian protection measures, the organizational revamp of National Civil Defense Steering Committee, big data application, and emergencies in civil defense. The Government is seeking the N.A.'s opinions on whether to stipulate emergencies in civil defense. The N.A. Standing Committee basically agreed on the need for a law on … [Read more...] about N.A. Standing Committee scrutinizes draft Law on Civil Defense
VPA’s General Staff launches sports festival in 2022
The practical program aims to create a chance for troops to exchange as well as to evaluate training quality and sports activities among its affiliated units. In addition, it also contributes to raising training quality and the organization of training and sports activities at all levels, meeting task requirements in the current context. Via the festival, the organizing board will select outstanding athletes to take part in other festivals in the whole military. This year’s event draws the participation of 450 athletes from 23 units. They compete in tennis and volleyball contents. Addressing the event, Senior Colonel Nguyen Van Dai, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics under the General Staff, requested functional units to ensure all conditions for the participants during the contest, conduct the festival as scheduled with absolute safety. Meanwhile, they should also make thorough preparations for the festival while observing military discipline. Referees were also … [Read more...] about VPA’s General Staff launches sports festival in 2022
Cultural industry to contribute to 10% of Hanoi’s GRDP by 2045
The city plans to raise the cultural industry’s contribution to GRDP to 5% by 2025 and 8% by 2030. From now to 2025, Hanoi will focus its efforts on boosting a number of cultural industries in line with local advantages and potential, including cultural tourism, handicraft, performing arts, cinema, designing, culinary, entertainment software and games, advertising, architecture, photography and exhibition, fashion, television and radio and publishing. By the end of this decade, the capital also sets to turn the cultural industry into a key economic sector driving the others’ growth. This will lay foundation for the capital city to improve local living standards; sustainably, harmoniously and comprehensively boost the economic, cultural and social development; turn itself into a globally-connected, civilized, modern and creative city by 2045. The municipal People’s Committee has asked its departments and units to raise awareness of the cultural industry among their staff, build … [Read more...] about Cultural industry to contribute to 10% of Hanoi’s GRDP by 2045
Naval Region 2 stands side by side with fishermen
The event was attended by Naval Region 2’s Second-in-Command Naval Captain Dinh Van Thang; Chief of the Department of Politics of the Naval Region 2 Command Naval Captain Do Hong Duyen; Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province Pham Thi Na, and representatives of the district. On this occasion, doctors and medical staff from Le Van Thinh Hospital (Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City) also joined the program. During the program, the troops distributed 500 leaflets to fishermen to popularize information about maritime boundary delimitation agreements between Vietnam and neighboring countries; legal documents on safe, sustainable and lawful fishing and fishing in line with environmental protection; and illegal fishing; among others. In addition, the Naval Region 2 Command also presented 500 national flags, 50 gifts, 100 life jackets, and 30 medical bags to needy fishermen; and provided them with free health check-ups and … [Read more...] about Naval Region 2 stands side by side with fishermen
