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CSD/001
UNYCA VII
Re: Natural Disaster Resistance
Commission on Sustainable Development
Alarmed by the increasing severity of natural disasters, which had affected over 200 million
people in 2010, and killed over 260 000,
Deeply disturbed by the cost of natural disasters for developing countries, hindering much
needed growth and development, destroying valuable infrastructure, spreading disease,
and further contributing to poverty and food shortages,
Noting that the majority, or 95%, of deaths related to natural disasters occur in developing
countries that do not have the proper tools or infrastructure to deal with them,
Further noting that natural disasters can occur at any place or any time, and affect both
developed and developing countries,
Applauding Japan’s preparation and management of the recent 8.9-magnitude earthquake and
tsunami, which saved millions of lives through earthquake-resistant building techniques
and tsunami warning alarm systems,
Realizing that investing time and money in preparation for natural disasters will save hundreds of
thousands of lives per year, as well as protect infrastructure and economic growth,
1.
Encourages developed countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and
Germany to fund nations in disaster-prone regions of the world, allowing the
construction of protective infrastructure like reinforcements for buildings and utilities
or drainage systems for low-lying coastal regions;
2.
Urges all countries to create and update plans for emergency preparation and
evacuation during natural disasters, taking into account the most vulnerable of
citizens such as children, the elderly, and disabled people, as well as those in areas
where there is a higher risk of injury or death;
3.
Reminds all nations who signed the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2005, that the
number of deaths attributed to natural disasters has not declined significantly, and
that more work needs to be done;
4.
Recommends that developing nations protect the built-environment in both urban and
rural areas, ensuring that homes, businesses, roads, and utilities maintain proper
construction protocol to reduce damage from natural disasters.
Submitted by: Hungary
Seconded by: Japan
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CSD/002
UNYCA VII
Re: Global Warming Affecting Food Availability
Commission for the Sustainable Development
Horrified that in 2010, the FAQ statistics showed that 925 million, or approximately one in every
seven people, were hungry,
Disgusted that poor nutrition plays a role in half of the 10.9 million child deaths each year,
Cautioning that the production rate of the main crops - rice, corn, wheat, barley, soybeans and
sorghum - will decrease 3% to 10% for each 1°C rise in the earth's average temperature,
Declaring that trees cannot absorb the high amount of carbon dioxide trapped in our atmosphere
for decades or thousands of years, raising the earth's temperature (global warming),
Alarmed that China, the world's leading wheat producer, is facing their worst drought in 60 years
and more grain reserves are down due to the heat wave in Russia, floods in Pakistan and
cyclones in Australia in 2010 (caused by global warming),
Worried that another poor grain yield will cause prices to increase when people can barely afford
current prices,
Concerned that the United Nations has been hearing complaints from Mozambique, Uganda,
Mali, Niger and Somalia in Africa, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Asia and Bolivia,
Honduras, Guatemala and Haiti regarding the increase in food prices,
Stressing that global warming alters weather patterns, causing an increase in heat waves and
droughts which will further limit our food supply,
Taking note that with the world population expected to double by the end of the century, the
need for food will become increasingly urgent,
Making clear that the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated that
immediate action must be taken to reduce global warming before it is too late,
1. Encourages the planting of various trees and the preservation of large forests in all
countries which will absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide;
2. Suggests countries transition to natural gas and other renewable energy sources instead
of coal and oil for generating electricity and for heating homes due to much less
carbon dioxide emissions;
3.
Asks for international organizations and governments of developed countries to
transfer sustainable energy technologies (such as photovoltaic cells to harness
solar power) to developing countries to facilitate their access to energy without
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having to resort to the cheapest technologies (such as burning coal) which can
damage the environment;
4. Recommends leading crop producers to progressively use climate resistant seeds
which can withstand the catastrophic effects of global warming, such as floods,
drought and extreme temperatures.
Submitted by: Canada
Seconded by: United Kingdom
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CSD/003
UNYCA VII
Re: Global Ramifications of Overfishing
Commission of Sustainable Development
Defining “overfishing” as fishing with a sufficiently high intensity to reduce the breeding stock
levels to such an extent that they will no longer support a sufficient quantity of fish for
sport or commercial harvest,
Disappointed that areas such as Eastern Canada, South East America, Atlantic Peninsula,
Antarctica, Mozambique Channel, Arabian Sea and South East Australia are areas where
overfishing levels are excelled,
Acknowledging the areas of the Arctic Ocean, Norwegian Sea, Southern Pacific Ocean and the
waters above Eastern Antarctica as the healthiest oceans with virtually no overfishing,
Appalled by the fact that almost 80% of the world’s fisheries are over-exploited, depleted or in a
state of collapse,
Stressing why overfishing is a problem as entire ecosystems are being lost with species, thus
resulting in the overall ecological unity of the oceans under stress and at risk of
diminishment,
Further Stressing the problem as overfishing could decrease a valuable food source which many
populations depend upon for social, economical or dietary reasons,
1. Calls upon the UN member states to ensure tight quotas on fishing, recreational and
commercial, through the individual governments with heavy fines for fishermen
and companies who break these quotas;
2. Strongly Condemns the areas of Eastern Canada, South East America, Atlantic
Peninsula, Antarctica, Mozambique Channel, Arabian Sea and South East
Australia for having the highest overfishing levels;
3. Invites all UN member states to be more conscious of the condition of their fishing
policies and the species that are a potential for risk;
4. Encourages the use of different sustainable fishing techniques such as aquaculture,
fish farming or the use of genetically modified organisms.
Submitted by: Norway
Seconded by: Iceland
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CSD/004
UNYCA VII
Re: The World’s Energy Crisis and Energy Poverty
Commission for Sustainable Development
Having considered that according to the Energy Information Administration, a total of 86.7% of
the world’s primary energy consumption is based on the use of fossil fuels,
Calling attention to the growing scarcity of fossil fuels with estimates from the World Oil: Oil
and Gas journal predicting that further production of oil, coal and natural gas to continue
for a maximum of 100 years,
Bearing in mind further global economic growth, the United Nations Statistics Division predicts
that the world’s energy needs will increase by 50% in as little as 25 years,
Noting the term “energy intensity”, a measure of the amount of energy it takes a country to
produce a dollar of gross domestic product, which measures the efficiency of energy
consumption,
Concerned that global net production of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a green house gas, is on
average 10.65 billion tons per year as stated by the US Department of Energy, being a
significant factor towards climate change,
Deeply conscious of other pollutants and forms of pollution due to fossil fuel consumption such
nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals leading to
acid rain and environmental damage due to the mining of such resources,
Aware of the term known as “energy poverty” with estimates from the UN’s Advisory Group on
Energy and Climate Change concluding that roughly a third of the human population has
no access to modern energy services,
Noting further that “energy poverty” seriously detriments the ability for a community to function
with scarce energy sources available for even basic necessities such as health clinics,
schools or water pumps and filters,
Fully alarmed that according to a 2009 World Bank study, countries with underperforming
energy systems may lose up to 1-2 per cent of growth potential annually as a result of
electric power outages, over-investment in backup electricity generators, energy subsidies
and losses, and inefficient use of scarce energy resources,
1. Strongly considers that the United Nations consider “Energy for Sustainable
Development” a major institutional priority;
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2. Urges the goal of universal access to modern energy services by 2030 by providing a
basic minimum threshold of modern energy services for both consumption and
productive uses;
3. Calls upon a reduction of global energy intensity by 40 per cent by 2030;
4. Encourages a global campaign to be launched in support of “Energy for Sustainable
Development” to bring awareness to energy intensity, energy poverty and the
energy crisis;
5. Further recommends that finances should be made available by the international
community including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to
developing and low-income countries for energy investment;
6. Emphasizes and encourages private-sector involvement through public-private sector
partnerships and investment to aid the local and national energy goals of
communities and countries;
7. Supports the investment and development of energy technologies designed to improve
the efficiency of energy consumption, particularly fossil fuel consumption,
develop alternative forms of energy and benefit the environment;
Submitted by: China
Seconded by: Germany
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CSD/005
UNYCA VII
Re: Biotechnology as a Means of Agriculture
Commissions on Sustainable Development
Acknowledging that poverty-stricken nations, such as the continent of Africa, have the
highest population growth rates in the world, making it difficult to maintain
adequate food consumption levels,
Worried that the agricultural growth in Africa has been slowing considerably during the
past two decades due to both internal and external factors such as shortage of arable
land and insufficient rainfall,
Noting that more than 50% of the population in developing countries make their living
through agriculture, yet the low profitability from these sectors has encouraged low
productivity thus reducing the incentive of farmers to produce more,
Displeased that the welfare of these farmers has been reduced not only from direct and
indirect taxes on their exports but as well as by the poor rural marketing systems for
industrial and food crops,
Defining ‘biotechnology’ as the use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or biological
substances, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes, including the
production of certain drugs and bulk foodstuffs,
Realizing that biotechnology-derived solutions are able to reduce the need for
agrochemicals and water,
Taking note that agriculture growth is necessary for economic growth, as well as
sustaining the current world population,
Keeping in Mind that biotechnology is more expensive than conventional research thus
developing countries must develop appropriate policies before implementing such
usages,
1.
Requests for the implementation of international programs to develop and teach
developing nations the appropriate knowledge on handling
biotechnological approaches;
2.
Condemns the current focus of biotechnology towards the public sector in
developing nations when privates sectors are the most dominant in
agricultural productions;
3.
Suggests to set priority for biotechnology aimed at solving specific problems of
national importance human, animal and plant diseases including but not
limited to HIV/AIDS and mosaic viruses of different crops;
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Appeals to integrate biotechnology risk management into existing
environmental, health and agricultural regimes through the aid of industrial
nations whom have already established such usages;
5.
Encourages for the establishment of policy and regulatory structure for
biosaftey and protection of the farmers and their crops through strict
procedures and law enforcement.
Submitted by: Ethiopia
Seconded by: United States of America
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CSD/006
UNYCA VII
Re: Pollution of Water Systems
Commission on Sustainable Development
Alerting all nations to the fact that the pollution of water is increasing, mainly because of
human intervention,
Aware that water is necessary for agriculture, industrial purposes and domestic uses,
Appalled that 2 million tons of human waste are dumped into waterways each day, and
70% of developing countries’ industrial wastes are exposed of in waters,
Noting that damaged sewage pipes can cause leakage and diffuse contaminants into
groundwater. Contamination of groundwater can then lead to contamination of
crops and drinking water,
Alarmed that 45 % of ocean water pollution is caused by marine transportation including
oil tanker spills and purposeful discharge of wastes into the ocean
Heartened by the immediate international coverage of and outrage at the BP oil spill,
although a solution was long in coming,
Dismayed at the inability of nations to act after leakage in the Fukushima nuclear plant
led to contamination of groundwater,
Cautioning that toxins left in water systems will damage ecosystems,
Reminding nations that all water systems are connected; thus, water contamination is not
restricted to one area,
Saddened that WHO reports that 25-30% of all hospital admissions are connected to
water borne bacterial and parasitic conditions,
Observing that as water consumption rates increase, 1800 million people are expected to
live in “absolute” water scarcity by 2025. Thus, it is necessary to maintain the
available water resources for future use,
1.
Calls upon developed countries to assist in funding scientific research into
developing products that will safely break down chemicals from oil
spills;
2.
Demands stricter laws against improper waste disposal and illegal dump sites;
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3.
Requires the education of citizens to increase awareness of proper waste
management and the effects of water pollution;
4.
Recommends all members of the UN to place restrictions on farmers using
chemical fertilizers;
5.
Urges all countries to monitor and complete regular repairs of sewage
systems.
Submitted by: Lesotho
Seconded by: South Africa
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CSD/007
UNYCA VII
Re: Ecological Endangerment and Other Risks Associated With GMO Crops
Committee of Sustainable Development
Defining ‘GMO’ as a genetically modified organism (plant or animal), through means of
gene cloning and protein engineering which results in a new organism that is nonnative to the environment,
Recognizing that GMO crops can overpower the former wild species; killing out the
competing native species will mean the loss of biodiversity,
a. It may also influence the evolution of pests and wildlife, reforming the whole
ecosystem,
b. Farmers may replace native crops for GMO seedlings,
Troubled by the fact that these some of these products include chemicals that may be
toxic or trigger allergies,
Understanding that the increase in the amount of shipping and mass production of GMO
products also negatively affects countries who must compete with their harvests
of natural crops,
Noting that reliance on genetically engineered crops and seeds will destroy a country’s
agricultural self-sufficiency. In addition, these seeds are not made for small scaled
farms that do not have the advanced technology or supplies needed to grow them,
Stressing the number of under developed countries in the world who depend on
agriculture as their primary source of income in international trade,
Satisfied with organizations such as the European Food Safety Authority, who has
supported anti-GMO movements, and has only authorized foods that have passed
an official safety assessment, due to past food scares involving genetically
engineered products (such as Mad Cow Disease),
1. Encourages the production of natural, home grown food crops within a country
and increasing the amount of naturally grown food involved in international sales
and trade by:
a. Restricting the amount of GMO products entering the country yearly,
b. Providing a “Farmer’s Market” in towns for local farmers to profit,
c. Exporting more local produce rather than importing international produce;
2. Strongly suggests the assessment and health check on all items sold in stores,
ensuring personal safety and informing consumers of what they are buying;
3. Awaits the renewal of destroyed ecosystems due to the introduction of genetically
engineered crops, and the revival of natural inhabitancies by:
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a. Preserving untouched natural areas and fertile soils in regions,
b. Reintroducing native crops to disturbed areas.
Submitted by: Georgia
Seconded by: Algeria
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CSD/008
UNYCA VII
Re: Plastic in the Ocean
Commission on Sustainable Development
Understanding that oceans and coastal areas form an essential component of the Earth's
ecosystem and are critical for global food security and the well-being of many
nations’ economies,
Shocked by new research that suggests some plastics decompose rapidly in the ocean
and, in the process, are leaching toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A into the sea,
Disgusted that seven million tons of waste is illegally dumped at sea each year, and that
20% of this trash was estimated to come from ships or offshore platforms,
Fearing that it is difficult to apprehend people who dispose of plastic into the ocean
because there are very few regulations concerning international waters,
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Aware that almost 44% of seabirds eat plastic, and that plastic in the ocean is the cause of
the death at least 100,000 marine mammals every year,
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Concerned that along with the toxic chemicals released from the breakdown of plastic,
marine animals also take in other chemicals that the plastic has accumulated from
outside sources,
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Making clear that pollutants become more concentrated as animals eat other
contaminated animals, which can be devastating for humans who ingest
contaminated marine mammals,
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Taking note that the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ is a gyre of marine litter in the central
North Pacific Ocean which extends an area larger than the continental U.S,
Appalled that there are few efforts to clean up and improve oceanic areas with high
concentrations of plastic and other debris,
1. Affirms that the ocean and its health is a matter that concerns all nations;
2. Strongly urges ships and offshore platforms to end of the disposal of waste
into the ocean;
3. Suggest that the United Nations fund research to measure and detect the
effects plastic is having on our oceans and marine life;
4. Request that nations provide guidelines for vessels on waste management;
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5. Calls for an international law with harsh consequences to be created to
disallow disposing of waste in to the oceans;
6. Encourages nations to consider that many land based waste management
sites unintentionally dump waste into the water system.
Submitted by: United Kingdom
Seconded by: St. Lucia
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CSD/009
UNYCA VII
Re: Water Depletion as an Effect of Desertification
Commission on Sustainable Development
Defining ‘desertification’ as land degradation in arid, semi-humid areas resulting from
various factors, including climatic variations and human activities,
Reaffirming that desertification is caused by multiple factors, but is hastened by poor
farming practices that cause erosion and acidification which strain the need for
water in agriculture- furthering the need for water for personal use,
Horrified that the world’s drinking water supplies have fallen by almost two thirds since
1950,
Shocked that every year, 12 million people die as a result of water shortages or
contaminated drinking water,
Devastated that by the year 2025, it is thus estimated that nearly 230 million Africans will
be facing water scarcity, and 460 million will live in water-stressed countries,
Reminding that 14 African countries (such as Cape Verde, Kenya, Rwanda, et cetera) are
already subjected to water stress or water scarcity, increasing to 25 countries
(including Ethiopia, Peru, Ghana, Somalia, and so on) by 2025, a situation that
will only intensify desertification,
Saddened that food depletion will increase as crops will need greater amounts of water
due to the loss of ground water from desertification,
Pleased with the creation of the National Action Programme (NAP) and its goals towards
eliminating desertification such as educating people with appropriate knowledge
of land use and production,
Concerned with the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) inability to meet its NAP
goals without foreign aid and greater discipline before desertification overcomes a
vast majority of African countries,
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Calls for the EPA to negotiate with foreign countries to gain volunteers and
technology that may help the Agency reach its NAP goals;
2.
Requests additional educators be sent to desert-like countries to teach the
inhabitants of farming methods that can conserve water in soils as well as
the nutrients;
3.
Strongly urges NGOs (Non- Governmental Organizations) and the UN help in
enforcing laws that help in the management of current water sources and
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irrigation systems so that no more water may be lost towards watering poor
agricultural land or for unnecessary uses;
5.
Demands that the cutting down of forests in Africa halt until at least 50% of
desert lands be restored and water is able to seep into the ground;
6.
Awaits the chance for ground water levels to increase and allow wells to be
created as a source of fresh water.
Submitted by: Ghana
Seconded by: Saudi Arabia
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CSD/010
UNYCA VII
Re: The Effects of the Agricultural Sector on the Environment
Committee for Sustainable Development
Concerned that the high productivity of the agricultural sector often requires large
amounts of fertilizer, pesticides, and energy,
Alarmed by the fact that the use of artificial chemicals are increasing, resulting in
greenhouse gasses being emitted into the atmosphere, and dangerous chemicals
running off into our rivers and streams,
Stressing that the agricultural sector’s production of nitrogen fertilizer, burning of fossil
fuels by machinery and lime applications emit nitrous oxide, methane and carbon
dioxide into the atmosphere, this not only harms the atmosphere, but endangers
wildlife and crops.
Informing that over the past three decades some nations have become more aware of the
impact of the agricultural sector on the environment, however the release of
greenhouses gasses persists to result in significant climate change,
Shocked by the statistic that the agricultural sector admits 15% of the world’s greenhouse
gasses,
Cautioning all nations that the persistent use of dangerous chemicals within the
agricultural sector will have an overall adverse effect on the environment,
1. Requires all developed nations to be engaged in research that will further
deepen our knowledge of practical solutions to strengthen the agricultural
sector and share this research with developing nations;
2. Emphasizes the use of natural products, which will enable strong growth of
crops, but at the same time decrease the amount of greenhouse gasses being
emitted into the atmosphere;
3. Strongly suggests that each nation begins to significantly raise the taxes on
fertilizers/pesticides and encourage the agricultural sector to purchase
environmentally friendly products instead;
4. Suggests that farmers grow organic crops and limit the amount of dangerous
products used to grow their crops;
5. Calls for governments to put strict policies in place and ban the use of some
toxic chemicals in the agricultural sector.
Submitted by: Netherlands
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Seconded by: Austria