UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Introductory Letter
Welcome to the 2013 UCMUN United Nations Environmental Programme! I am Farah
Gazi and I will be your Director this year. I am very excited to be working with you all and am
looking forward to a great conference. We, as the human race, are bounding forward with our
technological advances and innovation. This fast pace is what makes us great, allowing us to travel
great distances, cure diseases, and overcome the greatest of obstacles. Yet, it is also important to
explore the consequences of our advances and to become more proactive about the innovations we
create. Our topics this year will allow us to do just that. They are ‘Implications of Electronic Waste’
and ‘Reducing Mercury Emissions’, which I hope are relevant to and will engage you all.
I am currently a sophomore honors student majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology. For
me, Model UN is a great way to delve into the social and political consequences of the hard sciences
that I explore in class. Outside of academics, I love to read, hang out with friends, and explore
different places. Travelling and multiculturalism have been a part of my childhood: I am from
Oklahoma and Bangladesh but grew up in the Middle East. I have even participated in Model UN in
Kuwait.
My desire is for you all is to be able to take away from this conference as much as I hope to
myself, challenging yourselves and broadening your horizons. In the meantime, please feel free to
contact me with any questions and concerns via email. I look forward to meeting all of you!
Farah Gazi
UCMUN 2013 Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme
Email: farah.gazi@uconn.edu
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Committee History
Committee History
15 December, 1972 marks the creation of the United Nations Environmental Programme.
The Conference on the Human Environment held in Sweden at the time proposed a body of the
United Nations dedicated solely to tackling issues concerning the environment. It is becoming
increasingly evident that human development and the environment have a close relationship.
The UNEP consists of three major components, the Governing Council, the Secretariat, and
an Environmental Fund. The Governing Council is a set of 58 nations, elected by the General
Assembly for a four-year term, which sets the priorities and budget for the UNEP. The Secretariat,
based in Nairobi, Kenya, focuses and coordinates the action taken by the committee. Lastly, the
Environmental Fund is a voluntary resource that is supplemented by other funds to help finance the
committee’s work.
Since its recent beginnings, the UNEP has addressed a number of major issues. Much of the
focus lies in collaborating and creating international goals that better align with the idea of
sustainable development. Some of these actions and addresses include:
1985: Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
1989: Basel Convention on the Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes
1995: Global Programme of Action (GPA) launched to protect marine environment from landbased sources of pollution
2000: Millennium Declaration – environmental sustainability listed as one of eight Millennium
Development
2005: Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change enters into force
2005: 2005 World Summit agrees to explore a more coherent institutional framework for
international environmental governance
2005: Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building adopted by UNEP
Governing Council mandating national level support to developing countries
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Committee History
Works Cited
United Nations. United Nations Environmental Programme. UNEP Organization Profile. N.p., n.d
. Web.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Committee Simulation
Committee Simulation
Role of the Delegate
Delegates are the center of debate; without them, the UNEP cannot function. They are
expected to participate in debate, negotiate with others, and accurately represent the views of
his/her nation. Delegates are here to simulate reality: to best align with their respective nation’s
policy in order to pave way for advancements in international action and policy through negotiations
with other nations. The goal of the committee is to pass at least one resolution addressing the topics
at had.
All this requires that a delegate be adequately prepared with research on the topics, their
implications, his/her nation’s standpoint, and more. It must be kept in mind that often times,
especially regarding environmental law, there may be a discrepancy between action and viewpoint.
This may be a result of finances, alliances, or even domestic political conditions. Well-done research
will help elucidate the complex relationship between these factors and formal policy; a good delegate
will take into considerations this complexity when debating and agreeing to negotiations. With solid
background information, delegates should be a part of an engaging and vivacious debate.
Delegates are expected to abide by the rules of parliamentary procedure in both formal and
informal debate, and by the rules of the conference when not in debate. It is requested that all be
respectful of each other and the serious issues at hand. Lastly, these rules are here to maintain order
and respect. A delegate is encouraged to think creatively and have fun.
Role of the Dais
The Director and Assistant Director(s) comprise the Dais. Its role is to moderate debate, set
rules for debate, and encourage participation. This will be done through maintenance of a speaker’s
list during formal debate. The Dais will formally set debate, voting procedure, and end debate.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Introduction
Electronics are an integral part of modern society. To keep up with demands, new gadgets
are being designed and created all the time as old ones become obsolete. With this fast-paced use
and disuse, much waste is produced. Although a single definition does not exist, electronic waste, or
e-waste can be any abandoned or obsolete electric or electronic products, and is one of the most
rapidly growing waste sectors (E-WASTE: The Exploding Global Electronic Waste Crisis 2). Because the
technological advances of today are fairly new, regulation of waste is not properly addressed or
enforced in many nations. Most e-waste from developed nations is imported into developing nations
such as India. In developing nations, metal and other materials can be salvaged from used
electronics and workers salvage these valuables using unregulated and oftentimes hazardous
protocol. These workers do not take proper precautions and often contract heavy metal poisoning.
Furthermore, most un-salvaged products end up in landfills and can contaminate land, air and water.
Acid used in the process is dumped in streams and landfills and thus harm the environment. Overall,
the process of extrapolating valuable elements (gold, copper, silver, plastic) is not sustainable.
Although some nations, both developed and developing, have policies regarding e-waste, these are
easily circumvented. Other nations have not created any policies whatsoever. This year in the
UNEP, we will attempt to further explore this exciting sector of environmental policy. We will look
into how nations can address the problem of e-waste both within their borders and together with
the international community.
Topic History
The Koko Row in 1987 “sparked international outrage” when 8,000 barrels of waste were
dumped in Koko, a village in Nigeria, by a European importer (“A Cadmium Lining”). In the next
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
three years, many more incidents brought the problem of general waste dumping to the headlines.
This included Nigeria’s $1m fine on importers from Tilbury, UK that attempted to bring “two 12metre containers full of defunct televisions, computers, microwaves and stereos” (“A Cadmium
Lining”).
These important events among others brought attention to the increasingly important sector
of e-waste. The Basel Convention was passed in 1989 following the Koko row to regulate waste
dumping in developing countries. It was updated in October 2011 to include a general ban on
export of hazardous waste including electronic scrap. Although the convention works to reduce
illegal e-waste dumping and produce more sustainable and economic ways of doing so, criticism also
exists: “[lesser developed countries] already produce a quarter of the world’s e-waste pile; they could
overtake rich ones as early as 2018. Choking off the trade [through Basel Convention] will not stop
the acid cauldrons bubbling” (“A Cadmium Lining”). The author here refers to the plentiful e-waste
that is produced within the borders of the developed nations themselves. Furthermore, nations such
as Afghanistan, Haiti and the USA have
yet to ratify the treaty ("International
Legislation & Policy"). In the following
sections, we take a look at how
developing and developed nations plays
a role in the problem of e-waste.
Despite international efforts, current
regulations and enforcement are not
enough to stop the transportation of
Figure 1: Recycling policies state by state in the USA. Although
no federal law targets e-waste disposal, state laws are starting
to address the problem. Much work is yet to be done to
complete these policies, enforce them, and inform and
encourage consumers to use them. Source: Wirfs-Brock.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
and counter the negative heath, environmental, and economic effects of e-waste. Part of the
problem lies in developed nations that do not have or enforce laws for proper disposal or recycling.
Developed nations that have access to high tech salvation methods and technology can save
up to 95 percent of the metals from old products, such as the plants in Belgium, Canada, Germany,
Japan and Sweden that employ an integrated smelting and refining technique (Schluep et al. 6).
However, these are very costly to
maintain, and most used electronic
material does not end up in these plants
because regulations for recycling are not
set (Schluep et al. 6). In the US, for
example, there are no federal laws for
proper disposal and recycling and thus
the majority of the population disposes
Figure 2 (above): Some routes of e-waste dumping. The USA and EU are big
known sources of e-waste while India and China are known importers. Source:
"The Bane of Hi-tech Waste".
of used electronics by simply throwing
them in the trash. Furthermore,
consumers are not aware of the drastic effects of improper e-waste disposal and of proper disposal
protocol. The waste ends up in landfills or in electronic waste grounds that are eventually shipped
outside of the country.
The trend of exporting e-waste to developing nations emerged in the 1990s when recycling
systems in developed nations such as the EU, Japan and the USA could not deal with the large
quantity of e-waste that was being produced within their borders ("Where Does E-waste End Up?").
Developing nations provide cheap labor and lack laws that protect workers or the environment. The
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
process of recycling e-waste is cheaper as well since not many regulations limit how it is done. For
example, glass-to-glass recycling of computer monitors is ten times more expensive in the USA than
it is in China ("Where Does E-waste End Up?"). Demands for e-waste grew further in developing
nations, especially in Asia, when
Figure 3 (left):
Specific routes of ewaste dumping in
Southeast Asia. Ewaste can originate
from Europe, North
America, or even
within Asian
nations. Source:
"Where Does Ewaste End Up?"
valuable substances such as copper,
iron, silicon, nickel and gold could be
salvaged and sold for money in the
process ("Where Does E-waste End
Up?"). For instance, the average cellular
phone can yield 19 percent copper and
eight percent iron ("Where Does Ewaste End Up?").
Exportation is carried out through
cargo ships that transport used electronics with the intention of selling and distributing these used
items to the less privileged. However, most of these electronics are not reusable and are actually sold
and recycled. This is done by disposal companies and even organized crime groups ("Where Does
E-waste End Up?"). The 1992 Basel Convention controls shipment and transportation of hazardous
materials over international borders. However, illegal transportation is high. This may be due to the
fact that many nations have yet to ratify the treaty and others do not strictly enforce the rules
("International Legislation & Policy").
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Developing Nations
The waste is shipped to developing nations where there are no proper disposal methods,
regulations on import, or sustainable and safe recycling methods. Two of the biggest dumping
grounds are China and India. Recycling in these nations provides a source of income and trade for
the less privileged. Workers are paid by some organized companies for their labor or can directly sell
extrapolated metals and valuables to buyers. Although importation is banned in these nations, ships
illegally bring in e-waste under disguise of re-usable electronics or other shipments (Walsh).
Case Study: India
“25,000 workers are employed at scrap yards in Delhi alone, where 10-20000 tonnes of ewaste is handled each year, 25 percent of this being computers. Other e-waste scrap yards have been
found in Meerut, Ferozabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.” ("Where Does E-waste End Up?").
The biggest of these scrap markets is in Seelampur, a city near New Delhi. “India generate[s]
146,800 tons of e-waste in 2005. 50,000 tons of waste is imported a year despite [a national] ban.
According to activists, importers have long exploited a loophole in the bans that allows for imports
of used electronics as donations” ("Where Does E-waste End Up?").
The e-waste sector in India is highly informal
and unregulated. Over 95 percent of the e-waste
source: Howard.
that is handled is done so illegally in unorganized
facilities. The biggest challenge in combating the
e-waste issue is organizing this sector, which
currently runs on consumers being paid for their
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
waste and recyclers. (Kishore and Kishore). However, the government is working to create plants
that will utilize better and safer practices to recycling and has even “signed a $90 million project with
the World Bank” (Walsh). Further efforts are being initiated by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests which is working with NGOs to outline regulations on e-waste to supplement those that
were set in 2007 by CPCB India. These are based on the idea that the manufacturer is responsible
for proper disposal its products (Kishore and Kishore).
Dismantling Practices, Health Risks and Human Rights
Since the e-waste sector is mostly unorganized, much of the specific practices employed by
workers are unknown. However, it is known that the average worker is paid from Rs. 5 to 10 for the
dismantling of one computer piece (Kishore and Kishore). Practices pose many health and
environmental risks.
Use of proper “wastewater treatment facilities, exhaust-waste gas treatment, and personal
health protection equipment” is nonexistent (Kishore and Kishore). Metals are extracted in open
acid baths which release toxins to the environment such as “dioxins, heavy metals, lead, cadmium,
mercury and brominated flame retardants (BFRs)” (Kishore and Kishore). These pollutants
contaminate nearby water and soil.
Furthermore, workers do not wear protective gear and expose themselves to dangerous chemicals.
This exposure can lead to asthma, skin disease, brain and kidney damage and hormonal imbalances
especially in children and even unborn babies of pregnant workers. Recycling workers are not
informed about these risks and receive neither training in their practices nor any safety precautions.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
As mentioned previously, pay is very little. Workers are often times children trying to earn a living.
Recycling provides livelihood for many under-privileged people in India. However, it can also
destroy their livelihood through health and physical risks.
UNEP’s Role
The UNEP has been playing a big role helping create and
implement e-waste policy in nations worldwide. It published the
“E-Waste Management Manual”, outlining safe
techniques for extracting valuable metals, disposing e-waste, and
dealing with byproducts of the recycling process such as acid.
The UNEP has further worked with NGOs such as the Stop
The E-waste Problem (StEP) to publish “Recycling-From Ewaste to Resources” that informs e-waste producing companies
and businesses to properly dispose of their products. The
UNEP works to improve communication between and within
nations to make combating e-waste a collaborative effort.
source: Howard.
Current Status
In the United States, in December of last year, Executive Recycling was found guilty in
federal court of exporting hazardous material to developing nations ("Electronics Recycler
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Convicted for Illegal Exports to Developing Countries"). This event brought the issue of e-waste to
the news. Because of this increased media coverage this year, federal legislation called the
Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (RERA) was introduced in Congress. The bill would ban
exports of “untested and non-working e-waste”, but would allow “free trade of tested and working
used electronics being exported for reuse” ("Electronics Recycler Convicted for Illegal Exports to
Developing Countries"). This legislation is mainly aimed at keeping the recycling and reusing process
within national borders, and preventing developing nations illegal access of hazardous waste. It still
remains to be seen how this process will be made more efficient and safe within borders.
In the EU, the 2003 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive is being
updated to “significantly strengthen a range of e-waste regulations and impose new targets”
(Murray). Their current policy will emphasize reuse and recycle policy in addition to many other
areas of the issue.
Internationally, the EPA and UNU-StEP have been hosting workshops and meetings for
policymakers and enterprises of several nations to discuss their efforts and collaborate on ways to
address the current situation. In March of 2012, for example, there was a UNEP-hosted Pan African
Forum on E-waste in Nairobi. “Over 180 participants shared experiences and research from Africa
and efforts from other continents that could be demonstrated in Africa. A set of priorities to
support a regional approach was developed in the form of a Call for Action” ("Cleaning Up
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)"). The UNU-StEP further worked with Ethiopia specifically to help the
government create a national e-waste management policy ("Cleaning Up Electronic Waste (EWaste)"). E-waste is a fairly new sector and efforts surrounding it have been initiated recently.
Policies being implemented today are yet to be observed to see how effective they are.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Bloc Positions
The main division in nations lies between importing and exporting nations. Developing and
industrializing nations, in particular China and India, are the main importers of e-waste. Other
nations that also import e-waste are South Africa, Uganda, Senegal, Kenya, Morocco, Brazil,
Columbia, Mexico and Peru. These nations may choose to focus on how importation can be
regulated, recycling can make an organized effort, health and environmental effects can be
combated, and human rights can be maintained. They may choose to collaborate with exporting
nations to achieve these goals.
North American and EU nations have policies on waste exportation and recycling. However,
these are not necessarily strictly enforced. In our committee, these nations may specifically choose to
target how they can reduce e-waste production, inform the population of proper disposal, and
research and implement proper disposal and recycling policy within borders. They may look to
current policy and improve upon what already exists.
The line between e-waste producer and importer does not necessarily correspond to
developed and developing nations respectively. China and India, for example, are also among the
biggest global producers of e-waste. These nations may create goals that coincide with both e-waste
importing and producing countries.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Committee Mission
E-waste is a complex and widespread issue. However, there is not a lot of history to reflect
on and learn from since it is also a new issue. In order to tackle the matter, international cooperation
is integral.
Specifically, regulation is key. In developing nations this is regarding importation of banned
e-waste, proper recycling methods, human rights and safety of workers. In more developed nations,
this may entail disposal within borders and exportation. In both cases, everyday citizens as well as
relevant corporations must be informed about their role in the issue and how they can help. The
UNEP exists to help nations create their own policies regarding e-waste and most importantly,
enforce these policies.
Questions to Consider
1) How can individual nations take control of what happens within their borders? Pay attention
to governments turning cheek on illegal practices, governments with no national policy, and
the education of workers.
2) How can the international community play a role in regulating where e-waste goes, and who
handles e-waste?
3) What has your country in specific acted on the issue of e-waste? How successful/un
successful have they been?
4) What motivates your country to act the way it does with regards to e-waste?
5) Can e-waste management be compared to other ecological issues with a more clear history?
Can we look to the Kyoto Protocol, for example, for ideas?
6) What can the UNEP do to help your country and others?
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Works Cited
"The Bane of Hi-tech Waste." Web log post. The PCIJ Blog. Philippine Center for Investigative
Journalism, 10 Oct. 2008. Web. 16 May 2013.
The official blog of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism summarizes some of
the health hazards and the transportation of e-waste. It references legitimate sources for its
facts. Although a blog is generally not a reliable source, blogs from news networks or other
reliable sources are helpful and good to use.
"A Cadmium Lining." The Economist 26 Jan. 2013: n. pag. Print.
This article published in the Economist magazine is a reliable source. Since e-waste is a very
new topic, finding journal articles will be harder to find. However, to keep up with current
news, newspapers and magazines are great sources. This article in particular summarizes
some of the effects of e-waste in developing countries. It even provides some pictures of ewaste recyclers in developing countries.
"Cleaning Up Electronic Waste (E-Waste)." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 16
May 2013.
This webpage from the US EPA provides recent and upcoming events that international
agencies and the UN are involved in concerning e-waste.
"Electronics Recycler Convicted for Illegal Exports to Developing Countries." Basel Action Network.
Basel Action Network, 22 Dec. 2010. Web. 16 May 2013.
The Basel Action Network provides some of the latest news regarding e-waste and other
hazardous waste trade. The website can further be used to learn more about the Basel
Convention, the nations that have ratified it, and how it is being implemented into policy.
E-WASTE: The Exploding Global Electronic Waste Crisis. Publication. Electronics Take Back Coalition,
Feb. 2009. Web. 16 May 2013.
This is a short eBook that summarizes the e-waste problem, gives information on the
specific toxins that affect health of recycle workers, gives statistics, and proposes some
possible solutions to the e-waste issue.
Howard, Brian C. "Visualizing the Growing E-Waste Epidemic." News Watch. National Geographic,
14 Mar. 2012. Web. 16 May 2013.
This post from the National Geographic has some great visual depictions of e-waste
statistics and facts.
"International Legislation & Policy." Sustainable Electronics Initiative. University of Illinois, n.d. Web.
16 May 2013.
This website is run by a university and is a reliable source. It summarizes some of the
legislation that have been passed and are being worked on in different regions of the world.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
This is a great start to understanding a delegate’s own policy and a good guide to further
research.
Jugal, Kishore, and Monika Jugal. "E-Waste Management: As a Challenge to Public Health in India."
Indian Journal of Community Medicine 35.3 (2010): 382. NCBI. Web. 16 May 2013.
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963874/>.
This journal article summarizes the state of e-waste in India with information on the
practices and health of recyclers, and current and future policy.
Luther, Linda. Managing Electronic Waste: Issues with Exporting E-Waste. Publication. Congressional
Research Service, 27 Sept. 2010. Web. 16 May 2013.
This publication summarizes impacts of e-waste, how it is exported from the United States,
what the current requirements for disposal are in the US, and some of the problems there
are with the current system.
Murray, James. "EU Revamps E-waste Rules with Demanding New Recovery Targets." The
Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 May 2013.
This news article summarizes some of the changes that EU nations are hoping to bring in the
coming years regarding e-waste.
Olowu, Dejo. "MENACE OF E-WASTES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: AN AGENDA
FOR LEGAL AND POLICY RESPONSES." Law Environment and Development Journal 8.1
(2012): 59-75. Lead-Journal. University of London and the International Environmental Law
Research Centre, 2012. Web. 16 May 2013.
This article from an environmental law journal gives information on transport of e-waste,
relevant policy and law, human rights, and some strategies to combat the issue.
Schluep, Mathias, Christian Hagelueken, Ruediger Kuehr, Federico Magalini, Claudia Maurer,
Christina Meskers, Esther Mueller, and Feng Wang. Recycling - From E-Waste to Resources.
Publication. UNEP StEP, July 2009. Web. 16 May 2013.
This is a study conducted by the UNEP that focuses on recycling of e-waste metals. It
proposes new technologies for this recycling process and explores application and possible
integration of these technologies.
Walsh, Bryan. "E-Waste Not." Time. Time, 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 16 May 2013.
Another magazine article summarizes the e-waste problem and some of the news and facts
during the time it was published.
"Where Does E-waste End Up?" Greenpeace International. Greenpeace International, 24 Feb. 2009.
Web. 16 May 2013.
This webpage summarizes the different ways e-waste is disposed of, including dumping in
landfills, destroyed in incinerators, and exported to other nations.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
Topic A: E-Waste
Wirfs-Brock, Jordan. "E-Waste Laws State by State." E-Waste Laws State by State. I-News Network,
n.d. Web. 16 May 2013.
The I-News-Network published an image depicting which US states have e-waste laws and
which do not.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
Introduction
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that can pose great risks to human health and the
environment. It can be released from the earth through natural and human causes. Some of these
human causes include steel production, coal burning, and gold mining. After release, mercury can
enter the atmosphere and the food chain and can go on to cause serious health and environmental
effects. In recent years, negotiations have taken place to reduce emissions globally. The UNEP will
look at how mercury emissions affect humans and the environment internationally and how we can
work to combat the negative effects.
Figure 1 Estimated proportion of global
anthropogenic mercury emissions in 2010 from
different sources (The Global Atmospheric Mercury
Assessment)
Topic History
Mercury occurs in the earth’s crust,
and is released by natural causes such as
volcanic eruptions and erosion. A lot of
mercury, however, is also released due to
human activity. When coal, a major global energy source, is burned, mercury deposited in the rocks
is released. Further sources are “burning hazardous wastes, producing chlorine, breaking mercury
products, spilling mercury, improper treatment, disposal of products or wastes containing mercury”,
and separating metal from ore in small-scale gold mining (“Basic Information”). Mercury is useful as
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
a chemical and pharmaceutical agent as well, and small amounts are manufactured in some nations
for these purposes, but largely, mercury release is an unwanted byproduct of other processes.
Figure 2 Anthropogenic
mercury emissions from
different regions from 19902005 (“Basic Information”).
These processes can release mercury into the environment in a number of forms: elemental,
bound within particles, or oxidized. The type of mercury can affect how far the element can travel
once released in the air and the effects posed on human health and
the environment (“Basic Information”). Methyl mercury, a
compound, is the most dangerous of these forms to humans and
most commonly enters a person’s system through consumption of
fish (“Mercury Impacts to the Environment”). Once mercury is
emitted into the atmosphere, it precipitates and accumulates into
land and water. This is converted to methyl mercury by bacteria
found in soil and sediments, and eaten by small organisms.
Subsequently, biomagnification transports mercury up the food
Figure 3 The Mercury Cycle (“Mercury Impacts to
the Environment”).
chain, affecting other wildlife and human consumers (“Mercury Impacts to the Environment”). Fish,
bird, and small mammals are greatly affected by mercury in the environment: studies have shown
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
subtle visual, cognitive, and neurobehavioral deficits in affected animals. In humans, mercury
consumption in high levels can affect the heart, kidneys, lungs, the immune system, and mostly the
brain and nervous system. Pregnant women, unborn babies, and young children are more
susceptible to the health effects of mercury exposure.
In the past, there have been outbreaks of mercury poisoning. Often called Minamata disease,
mercury poisoning was first seen large scale in the Japanese city of Minamata in 1956. A chemical
factory discharged large amounts mercury byproduct into the Minamata Bay which bioaccumulated
in fish and shellfish. Seafood consumption in the area caused serious illness and death (Harada 2).
Case Study: Small Scale Gold Mining in Colombia
Mercury can also harm people through direct exposure to the processes that utilize the
element. Almost 70 nations are involved in gold mining, especially small scale, one of the largest
contributors to atmospheric mercury (Barber). Small-scale gold mining releases approximately 400
metric tons of airborne elemental mercury each year (Bailey). In these gold shops, or small-scale gold
mining sites, mercury is burned in order to separate gold from ore and sediments. The process
releases highly toxic mercury vapors that result in atmospheric mercury levels that exceed limits set
by the World Health Organization. These gold shops are mostly unregulated in developing nations
such as Colombia. Mercury and other products are obtained illegally and used in unregulated
methods. Workers are not paid well and have little information on the devastating effects on their
health. Oftentimes, livelihoods of these workers and their families depend on their work. With an
increase in gold prices worldwide since 2002, the demand for small-scale gold mining continues to
increase, and with it, mercury pollution and the environmental and human rights problems that arise
with it. Gold mining in Colombia has been the fastest growing industry in the past decades. 200,000
small-scale miners producing more than 50 percent of the country’s gold. As a result, Colombia is
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UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
also one of the world’s leading mercury emitters (Siegal). In developing nations such as Colombia,
poverty, global economy, environment and health are all interrelated in this complex dilemma of
mercury use in gold mining (Nuttal & Bryan).
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UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
Current Status
International negotiations have been ongoing in the past years and in January 2013, more
than 140 nations collaborated on a legally binding treaty at the Minamata Convention that will aim
to reduce these emissions. The Convention will require nations to work to reduce the mercury levels
in the air and used in industrial processes, especially small scale gold mining. They will further have
“to address mercury supply and trade,” This is still the first step towards combating the problem of
mercury emissions; nations must still work out the specifics of the treaty and apply it to their own
governments. In October 2013, the Minamata Convention will be open for signatures.
In addition, the UNEP Mercury Products Partnership has set standards to reduce mercury in
common devices such as thermometers, USA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standard will reduce
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
mercury emissions in the coming years, the EU and US placed bans on mercury exports in 2011 and
2013 respectively, and national action plans were made by Argentina, Uruguay and other countries in
coordination with the UNEP. These are all examples of preexisting ways the global community has
taken action to reduce emissions (“The Global Atmospheric Mercury Assessment”). However, action has
still been slow and the 2013 Minamata Convention is the first step to changing that in a wellcoordinated and organized manner. Furthermore, although some restrictions exist, the key lies in
enforcement, as well as innovation that will allow for economically integral sectors, such as artisanal
gold mining, to thrive but through environmentally sound ways.
Bloc Positions
Emissions due to gold mining and electricity generation (through coal burning) are largely
seen in developing nations in Africa, South America and mostly Asia (Nuttal & Bryan). Asia now
contributes to just under half of global emissions. Much of this mercury ends up in fresh water lakes
and rivers and contaminates wildlife such as fish, which in turn affect the human consumers of fish.
This bloc of nations may focus on how to reduce these particular sources of emissions internally and
may collaborate with each other on how to do so. Delegates may further divide within this bloc
according to what the major source of their respective nations’ mercury emissions are. This may
coincide with geographic differences. For examples, deforestation has been proven to release
mercury into the atmosphere, especially in the Amazon (Veiga, Meech & Ornate). Nations in which
deforestation is a problem (those in South America) may choose to work together to address the
problem. In this bloc, mercury is a byproduct of industrial processes that are important to the
economy. Thus, it may be difficult striking a balance between allowing freedom for economic
stimulation and enforcing laws that will help protect the population and environment. Regulation
and formalization of the different sectors (such as gold mining, metal production, etc.) is key.
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
Furthermore, collaboration with more developed nations may consist of combating the need for
exportation of mercury from these nations.
More developed nations form another bloc. These nations may address how to reduce use of
mercury and mercury products, and cut emissions from more relevant sources such as fossil fuel
combustion, steel production, and large-scale mining. The same idea goes for further divisions:
nations that have similar mercury emission trends should collaborate with each other to reduce
emissions and develop more sustainable practices.
Committee Mission
Mercury emissions are a growing problem that has reached international attention. Although
there are natural causes, the goal of the UNEP is to minimize emissions that are a result of human
action as well as pave the way for more sustainable technology and practices that will eliminate those
that destruct the environment. Major sources of emissions differ from geographic region-to-region
and even with regions. Thus, it will be important to look specifically at leading sources of mercury
emission in different regions and address those specifically, taking into account the economic and
environmental consequences that these sources have.
Questions to Consider:
1) What are the major contributors to mercury emissions in your nation and region?
2) What are the economic and political implications of noticeable trends in mercury emissions?
3) What has your nation already done to combat the problem? What have other nations done
that you can learn from?
4) How can regulation, legislation, and innovation help create more sustainable practices in
your nation?
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
5) How can you collaborate with other nations in the UNEP to both help your nation and
others worldwide?
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
Works Cited
Bailey, Marianne. "Reducing Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining." EPA.
Environmental Protection Agency, 18 July 2013.
The EPA is a federal group that writes and enforces environmental regulations in the US.
Their website provides information on the mercury emissions problem both within the US
and outside. It also gives information on the latest events that have happened regarding this
topic.
Barber, Ben. "140 Countries Vow to Cut Toxic Mercury Release." The Huffington Post.
TheHuffingtonPost.com, 20 Feb. 2013.
This is an article on the recent Minamata Convention. Credible articles like this can be used
to find information on big events or news.
"Basic Information." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 9 July 2013. Web. 8 Aug. 2013.
This is another page of the EPA website. Multiple pages provide a wide variety of information
on mercury.
The Global Atmospheric Mercury Assessment: Sources, Emissions, and Transport. Publication. UNEP
Chemicals Branch, Dec. 2008. Web. 8 Aug. 2013.
This report from the UNEP analyses major sources of mercury emissions, trends in
emissions, and how these emissions are transported and deposited in the earth. This is a
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
good source for information on trends of mercury emissions since the reader can compare
newer findings with this from 2008.
Harada, Masazumi. "Minamata Disease: Methylmercury Poisoning in Japan Caused by
Environmental Pollution." Crit Rev Toxicol 25.1 (1995): 1-24. PubMed. Web.
This journal article looks into the specific symptoms and cases of Minamata disease and analyzes
`them in a medical context, as well as giving much historical evidence.
"Mercury Impacts to the Environment." Mercury Impacts to the Environment. United States Department
of Agriculture, 20 Feb. 2013. Web. 8 Aug. 2013.
This page from the USDA website gives information on how mercury emissions impact the
environment, affecting wildlife and even climate change.
Nuttall, Nick, and Bryan Coll. "UNEP Studies Show Rising Mercury Emissions in Developing
Countries." United Nations Environment Programme. United Nations Environment Programme,
10 Jan. 2013. Web.
This articles gives information on international negotiations that have taken place in the past and
are expected in the future regarding mercury emissions. It gives some basic information on
mercury emission trends, impacts and actions taken internationally.
Siegel, Shefa. "Threat of Mercury Poisoning Rises With Gold Mining Boom." Yale Environment 360.
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 3 Jan. 2011.
This report gives information on gold mining centers in Colombia, in specific, Segovia. It
tells the story of a worker who fell seriously ill, gives information on the bad conditions of
UCMUN 2013 United Nations Environmental Programme
UNEP Topic B First Draft: Reducing Anthropogenic Mercury Emissions
workers, the poverty that surrounds the sector's workers, and the economic implications of
gold mining in Colombia and other parts of the world.
Global Mercury Assessment 2013. United Nations Environment Programme. United Nations
Environment Programme, Jan. 2013. Web.
This is the latest report on mercury emissions published by the UNEP this year. It gives full
overview of major sources, impacts on health, environment and economy, pathways in
terrestrial and aquatic environments, trends in emissions and more. This is a very good
source for visual depictions of information that help put things into perspective.
Veiga, Marcello M., Meech, John A. and Onate, Nilda. "Mercury Pollution from Deforestation."
Diss. University of British Columbia, n.d. Mining.UBC. University of British Columbia. Web.
Traditionally, mercury released from cutting down trees has not been analyzed in reports of
mercury emissions. This source argues that deforestation is a major source of mercury
release and is affecting the health of deforestation workers.