Amid growing concerns over the uneven distribution of resources for poorer nations and the inadequacies in global commitments, coupled with a seemingly weakened pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 5% annually from raw material sources, I’ve received numerous questions. These inquiries come from businesses, young learners in my GLC (Green Leader Coaching) classes, and policymakers in Vietnam.
Net Zero: A Dream at Risk Without Education and Finance
To address these questions, we cannot rely solely on technical perspectives or grandiose diplomatic promises. We must confront the stark reality of Climate Justice—where the divide between wealthy and impoverished nations has created an unprecedented chasm of inequality in human history.
Financial disparities fuel inequality
From my travels—whether in London, Berlin, Brussels, or back in Vietnam’s Central region after devastating storms—I’ve witnessed a painful paradox: communities least responsible for climate change are bearing the brunt of its consequences. Oxfam’s 2023 report reveals that the wealthiest 1% emit more carbon than the poorest 5 billion people combined.
The V20 group, representing the most vulnerable nations (including Vietnam), estimates a loss of over 20% in growth potential over two decades due to climate change. Meanwhile, international climate adaptation funding continues to decline, widening the financial gap needed to protect the poor.
These figures highlight a stark truth: while Net Zero is a shared goal, nations start from vastly different positions.
The question, “Which is more critical—Finance or Education?” isn’t a binary choice but a causal relationship. In today’s urgent context, Finance acts as the “seed capital” for action, while Education is the “lifeblood” that transforms this capital into tangible capabilities.
Finance is the hardware of the system. No one can adopt low-carbon farming while struggling with seasonal debt. No farmer in Vietnam’s Central Highlands can comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) without funds for transition, mapping, or traceability. No coastal community in Central Vietnam can thrive without seawalls, reservoirs, mangroves, early warning systems, or salinity monitoring infrastructure.
All these require capital. Without finance, green transition recommendations remain distant ideals.
Conversely, finance without education leads to severe consequences. Without sufficient knowledge of environmental science, climate risk management, or governance, businesses risk greenwashing—even unintentionally. Many projects label themselves “eco” or “ESG” without understanding the core principles, resulting in initiatives that look good on paper but lack real impact.
In some regions, high-tech agricultural projects worth billions have been abandoned due to untrained operators, exacerbating green debt. Globally, even with climate funding, many nations fail to meet emission targets due to poor absorption capacity and foundational education—resulting in more debt and stalled progress toward Net Zero.
Education is the system’s software—ensuring capital isn’t wasted, ideas aren’t fragmented, and technology isn’t shelved. It teaches farmers why healthy soil sustains them long-term. It helps businesses manage carbon and optimize supply chains without fearing costs outweighing benefits. It enables local leaders to make science-based decisions, not term-based ones. Most importantly, education fosters a culture of respect for nature, adaptability, and responsible leadership.
However, climate education must go beyond CO2 measurements or emission reduction mandates. At its core, it must awaken Compassion for Nature. A compassionate leader won’t approve a forest-destroying hydropower project for short-term gains. A compassionate farmer nurtures the land instead of depleting it. A compassionate business builds responsible supply chains instead of shifting risks to the poor.
This realization deepened during my discussions with European Commission representatives in Brussels. They emphasized that democracy and climate justice are inseparable; vulnerable communities’ voices must be heard for equitable green transitions. Standing in Flanders’ World War I fields, I felt profoundly that peace, justice, and the future aren’t inherited—they must be actively safeguarded by pioneers protecting people, nature, and peace.
Vietnam stands at a historic crossroads: facing Southeast Asia’s highest climate risks but also its greatest green transition opportunities. What we need is timely green finance, inclusive green education for businesses and communities, and robust green institutions ensuring no one is left behind.
Action Through Understanding
The fight against climate change isn’t a race of technology or trillion-dollar funds—it’s a test of humanity’s conscience.
Developed nations must fulfill their Financial obligations—repaying historical debts. Developing nations must prioritize Education—investing in the future. And we all must nurture Compassion for Nature—our insurance for survival.
Net Zero isn’t about dry numbers; it’s a journey to restore balance between Material and Spirit, as shared by international mentors and friends I’ve connected with.
I believe Vietnam can become Asia’s green transition model by combining three elements: finance for action, education for transformation, and compassion for long-term sustainability.
 Images from Green Leadership Community (GLC) training sessions
|
The climate battle isn’t technological—it’s a test of humanity’s conscience. Net Zero isn’t about cold metrics; it’s a quest to restore balance between material and spirit, responsibility and compassion, humanity and nature. Success depends on cultivating “green leaders”—knowledgeable, courageous, and humane enough to guide communities toward a more sustainable future.
May more allies join this journey—a path of Climate Justice, Compassion for Nature, and a future where no one is left behind.
(This article references data from UNEP’s 2024 Adaptation Gap Report, Oxfam’s Climate Inequality Report, and V20 Forum studies.)
– 12:00 30/11/2025
Carlsberg Vietnam Strengthens Commitment to Clean Energy at GEF 2025
As Vietnam accelerates its Net Zero ambitions by 2050, businesses are poised to drive the green transition. At the 2025 Green Economy Forum, Carlsberg Vietnam showcases how a leading FDI enterprise optimizes operations and reshapes its energy strategy to align with the nation’s sustainable development goals.
$28 Billion: Vietnam’s Launchpad to Achieve Millennium Goals
To secure this massive capital, Vietnam must undertake a comprehensive and concerted effort.
Unlocking Foreign Investment: Nam A Bank’s 3-Pronged Green Finance Strategy
At the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum held from November 25-27 in Ho Chi Minh City, themed “Green Transition in the Digital Era,” Nam A Bank actively participated as a key partner. The bank presented strategic proposals on green finance, aiming to unlock international capital flows and drive sustainable development.
Vietnam Crafts a Unique Identity for Its International Financial Hub
Instead of emulating existing models, Vietnam is leveraging its dual advantages of “production and timing,” coupled with the digital asset wave, to position its International Financial Center (IFC) on the global financial map.
Why Bamboo Scaffolding Still Dominates High-Rise Construction: A Close-Up Look
Why opt for bamboo scaffolding over its iron or steel counterparts? This question often crosses the minds of many.
