Mekong Dispatch-January 2025.
The news aggregator serving the region.
January 2025 Issue
The Mekong Delta is at a tipping point for sustainability. The threats are increasing daily from the implications of upstream dams, the accelerated rate of sea level rise, and an uncertain future climate. Our news aggregator exists in order to provide crucial, scientifically grounded environmental news analysis and data. In particular, our newsletter provides support to young citizen scientists actively involved in climate action and who band together to address the environmental issues in the area. This is your free newsletter. Please click and sign up for more, including weekly dispatches. The editors.
January Highlights
“Charcoal trade fuels deforestation in northern Myanmar” by Ei Thet January 13, 2025.
War, economic challenges, and dwindling markets have pushed traditional tea farmers in northern Shan State into deforestation-linked charcoal production.
“Canada Rare Earth signs deals to buy permitted refinery, co-develop mine project in Laos” by Mining.com January 8, 2025.
Canada Rare Earth has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a private Laos-based company to purchase 70% of a recently fully permitted refinery built to produce commercially traded rare earth oxides.
“The struggle against plastic choking the Mekong” by Anton L. Delgado December 19, 2024.
Plastic is now ubiquitous in the Mekong, Asia’s Mother of Rivers, and experts and local people are struggling to contain the risks to human health, biodiversity and livelihoods.
Environment
“How did Southeast Asia move forward on climate goals in 2024?” by Carolyn Cowan and Gerald Flynn January 15, 2025.
2024 was a year marked by a COP climate summit so dismal that many governments and analysts questioned whether the annual meetings are even worth holding.
“HCMC's temperatures drop to 19 C, lowest in 4 years” by Dinh Van January 12, 2025.
Ho Chi Minh City experienced its coldest morning in four years, with temperatures dropping to 19 degrees Celsius (66.2 degrees Fahrenheit) due to intensified cold air from the north.
“Frost blankets high mountain peaks in northern Vietnam” by Gia Chinh January 11, 2025.
For the first time during this winter (2024–2025), frost has appeared across several high mountain peaks, including Phia Oac (Cao Bang), Lao Than (Lao Cai), and Ta Xua (Yen Bai).
“Northern Vietnam's rural areas grapple with air, water, and soil pollution” by Gia Chinh January 11, 2025.
Rural areas in northern Vietnam are facing increasing environmental challenges, with air, water, and soil pollution worsening due to the impacts of craft villages, industrial zones, and agricultural activities.
“Da Nang river contaminated with black, foul wastewater” by Nguyen Dong January 7, 2025.
Black, foul-smelling wastewater discharged into the upstream section of Da Nang's Han River is polluting the environment.
“Mekong Delta saltwater intrusion expected to worsen in dry season” by The Saigon Times January 7, 2025.
According to the Vietnam National Mekong Committee, the Mekong Delta is bracing for worse saltwater intrusion during the 2025 dry season.
“Cambodia launches campaign for plastic-free streets” by VNA January 2, 2025.
Cambodia's Ministry of Environment has launched a campaign to ensure that national roads are free of garbage and plastic waste, marking a step towards building a green, clean, and beautiful nation.
Geopolitics
“Cambodia defence delegation pays pre-Tet visit to Vinh Long” by VietnamPlus January 17, 2025.
A delegation of the Development Department under the Cambodian Defence Ministry led by its director Lieutenant General Ouk Hoeunpisey on January 17 paid a pre-Tet (Lunar New Year) visit to the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long.
“Lao tourism sector gets boost from tripartite cooperation agreement” by Vientiane Times January 17, 2025.
The agreement brings together the Institute of Media, Culture and Tourism under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, China’s Jiangsu Vocational College of Information Technology, and the Pan-Mekong International Economic Development (Laos) Sole Co.,Ltd.
“Cambodia’s deals with China threaten the mighty Mekong — can it survive?” by Catherine Philp January 14, 2025.
A canal funded by Beijing is adding to the problems caused by more than 700 dams across the ancient river.
“Newest Lao-Thai bridge link across the Mekong now 96 % complete” by The Nation January 7, 2025.
The new 1,350-metre bridge will enable easier travel between Laos and Thailand and spur trade with other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
“An Overview of Vietnam’s Environmental Protection Tax in 2025” by Dezan Shira January 3, 2025.
Vietnam is looking toward greater investment in cleaner, greener power-generating technologies. Furthermore, it is also looking to utilize financial and market mechanisms to encourage firms to make their businesses more environmentally friendly.
“Mekong River Commission Launches Education and Visitor Center and One Mekong App to Promote Disaster Management and Regional Cooperation” by The Mekong River Commission December 26, 2024.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of its establishment in Lao PDR, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) has officially inaugurated its new Education and Visitor Center.
Reports
“Critical Issues for the United States in Southeast Asia in 2025” by The Asia Foundation January 2025.
Already, Southeast Asia faces increasingly frequent and severe floods, droughts, heat, and typhoons generated by climate change. These calamities pose a threat to food security, hobble economic growth, catalyze pandemics, and trigger refugee flows and political instability.