The Hawaii State House of Representatives has awarded a certificate for a Vietnamese scientist for his contributions in the field of environmental science and climate change.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh, the scientist who has been honored by the US, said during the annual meeting of the Hawaii State House of Representatives earlier this month, Congressman John M. Mizuno presented the certificate for him at the headquarters of the Hawaii State House of Representatives in Hawaii, Honolulu City.

The certificate is granted to honor contributions in research, teaching and activities to help increase understanding and awareness of men about global climate change by Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh. Dr. Ninh has cooperated with institutions and universities in the state of Hawaii for many years.

"I was touched by the Hawaii State House of Representatives’ honor. I think this honor is not only for me, but it is the international recognition of the contributions of Vietnamese scientists in efforts to protect the environment and the global climate," said Dr. Ninh.

"We all know, environmental degradation and climate change is the greatest challenge for humanity in the 21st century. The non-traditional security concept also comes from the challenge, with the three main problems of food security, water security and energy security," added Dr. Ninh.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh was born in 1954 in Hanoi. He graduated from the University of Szeged, Hungary, in 1977 and received a Ph.D. degree in Hungary in 1986. He is currently teaching at the National University of Hanoi, and is chairman of the Center for Environment Research Education and Development.

He has contributed greatly to the Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change (IPCC), and he also is one of more than 450 people who were certified by IPCC for positive contribution to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize of IPCC.