VietNam
In the context of climate change becoming a major threat to the planet, UNICEF Viet Nam’s “If We Contribute” initiative stands out as an important educational tool. This document focuses on helping children understand and act to achieve net zero for children, in line with the KidsEdu STEM program to encourage students to explore science and the environment. Net zero for children is not only knowledge but also a way for the young generation to participate in protecting the planet. We invite schools and teachers to join KidsEdu to learn more in the article below!
The Impact of Climate Change on Vietnam and the Role of Net Zero
Vietnam is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The UNICEF document describes how the 2024 super typhoon Yagi – the strongest in 70 years – devastated 14 provinces, affecting livelihoods and public health. Air pollution shrouds cities, and children like Phuong Linh in Hai Phong talk about their lives connected to nature but increasingly difficult due to storms and floods.
Net zero in Vietnam means reducing emissions from sectors such as energy, agriculture and waste. For example, switching to renewable energy such as wind and solar could save millions of tonnes of CO2. The document cites that from 2014-2020, Vietnam achieved a reduction of 58 million tonnes of CO2 thanks to measures such as forest protection and improved agriculture. Children can learn through games in the materials, such as matching concepts (e.g. “net zero” with “emissions balance”) or crossword puzzles about “adaptation” and “reduction of emissions”.
The initiative emphasizes that net zero for kids is not just about emissions reduction but also adaptation, such as building an early warning system for natural disasters and developing salt-tolerant rice varieties in the Mekong Delta. By 2023, Vietnam had restored 25,000 hectares of mangrove forests and deployed more than 100 wind projects, generating 70,000 MW of clean electricity. These numbers help children see that net zero for kids is possible, encouraging them to participate in STEM activities such as building wind energy models.
Children are the least responsible for climate change, yet they suffer its most severe consequences. They are on the frontlines of the climate crisis—not just as victims, but also as potential agents of change.
The above quote from UNICEF highlights the dual role of children in the fight against climate change, promoting net zero for children as a generational mission.
Paris Agreement and Vietnam’s NDC Commitment
The 2015 Paris Agreement, ratified by 195 countries, sets a global net zero target. Each country must submit an NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) every five years, with Vietnam updating its NDC in 2022 to reduce emissions by 15.8% compared to the business-as-usual scenario by 2030. The UNICEF document explains the NDC as a country’s “contribution plan” to reduce methane from waste and agriculture, as well as protect forests.
Net zero for children is demonstrated through strategies: reducing emissions from energy (switching to wind power), agriculture (sustainable farming) and waste (recycling). Vietnam prioritizes adaptation by forecasting storms more accurately and encouraging community participation. Children can contribute by participating in advocacy, such as organizing school events about net zero for children.
How children can contribute to achieving net zero
The “If we contribute” initiative encourages children to take immediate action. The first step is to pay attention and learn: read the Vietnam NDC, see the impact on the community. Then, spread the knowledge through discussions with friends. Participate in community activities such as planting trees or saving electricity – each tree absorbs about 30 kg of CO2/year.
The document suggests steps: change your environmentally friendly lifestyle (reduce single-use plastic), use renewable energy, and share ideas for NDC 2025 via UNICEF email. Net zero for children also comes through games: quizzes on CO2 emissions (37.4 billion tons globally in 2023 according to IEA) or crosswords about “fossils” and “rising sea levels”.
KidsEdu – STEM program towards net zero for children
At KidsEdu, we believe that net zero for children is the key to a sustainable future and we are committed to leading the younger generation through innovative STEM lessons. STEM lessons at KidsEdu integrate knowledge about net zero for children into every activity, from experiments on building renewable energy models to projects on planting trees to absorb CO2. We not only teach theory but also encourage children to practice, such as measuring emissions through simple scientific tools, helping them realize their role in reducing emissions. Each lesson aims to foster environmental protection awareness, turning net zero for children into daily actions, to build a greener planet together. We are proud to accompany UNICEF’s “If we contribute” initiative, bringing net zero for children closer to every student, for a sustainable world starting today.
Net zero for children is not a distant dream but a shared responsibility. UNICEF’s “If We Contribute” initiative provides easy-to-understand materials that combine scientific knowledge and practical action. By participating, Vietnamese children can contribute to reducing emissions and protecting the planet. Let’s start today with KidsEdu: plant a tree, save energy, and share knowledge. A net zero future for children depends on us – and children are the driving force.
>> Source: UNCEF / If We Contribute
