UN Environmental Programme
Topic: A
Climate Change
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: Federative Republic of Brazil
Over the course of the last century, the average temperature of the Earth has been
unusually increasing. In addition to the increase in the global temperature, climate change is also
associated with increased severe weather. Evidence points that climate change is a man made
development that had started in the 18th century during the Industrial Revolution. Fossil fuels
were being burned for fuel, emitting the gas carbon dioxide into the Earth’s atmosphere. The
release of methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor gases into the Earth’s atmosphere is known
as the greenhouse effect. The most predominant gas carbon dioxide has increased emission by
38%. Carbon dioxide is naturally absorbed by trees however, deforestation has occurred in many
parts of the world, eliminating trees and forests. Human activity is the most predominant cause
of global climate change. Climate change has become an impending concern for the Republic
Brazil. The climate in Brazil is varied from tropical to temperate zones from different regions.
Brazil is in a geographically unfavorable location and is subject to severe destruction from
climate change. Brazil’s coastline is prone to hurricanes or flooding by effect of climate change.
Extreme weather such as drought or flooding can be detrimental to Brazil’s agricultural
economy.
Brazil is a signatory on the National Climate Change Policy, striving to reduce harmful
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthen the use of eco-friendly alternatives for
generating power. Due to the fact that Brazil is the fourth largest contributor of GHG, the
country plans to reduce emissions to the target of between 36.1% and 38.9%. Tight regulations
have been imposed on industries in Brazil, subjecting them to confirmations on whether or not
emission reduction efforts have taken place. Brazil is also maintaining a high proportion of its
electricity supply from renewable sources, mainly hydropower. Deforestation is also planned to
UNEP Topic A
be reduced by 70% by 2017 in efforts to preserve the Amazon region. In addition to this Brazil
will enforce reforestation, to reduce GHG. The PROINFA, Law no. 104.38 in Brazil, introduced
renewable energy such as wind, biomass cogeneration and micro-hydropower. The law, passed
in 2002, planned to increase the share of energy produced by renewable sources to 10% of total
annual energy consumption within 20 years. Brazil’s policy includes an Environmental Crimes
Act (1998) protects wildlife and plants, particularly endangered species. The National Program
for the Rational Use of Natural Gas and Oil Products – CONPET (1991) aims to reduce and
eliminate waste in energy production. The program also strives to increase public awareness of
environmental problems and energy efficiency. Brazil has many policies already in effect in
order to strengthen eco-friendly and energy efficient methods in order to not further harm the
environment.
Bibliography
“Climate Change in Brazil.” Ipea, 2011. 20 Jan. 2015. Web.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: Bulgaria
School: Mentor High School
The UN was originally developed after the disputes of World War II for the purpose of
maintaining the sanity and humanity of this planet. As some of you may have noticed, the Earth
is getting warmer. Some scientists believe it is because the earth is in a heating stage of the
Earth’s heating and cooling cycle and is moving further into it, others suggest it is due to global
warming. Both matters are supported with enough evidence and can be seen as a problem to our
lifestyles. However, only one was instigated by mankind (or human-kind to not offend) and must
be stopped by mankind. Bulgaria has seen the years grow warmer, with the average temperature
rising 1.6°C above the average temperature. “Climate change projections indicate that air
temperatures in 2080 during this time of the year increase between 5 and 8°C” as stated in an
article titled: “Climate Change Bulgaria”. The future is melting away and we as the inhibitors
must do something to stop this. Protection of global climate for present and future generations of
humankind : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly Published February 18, 2014, is proof
that we have covered some ground on the topic of greenhouse gases, pollution control, and
climate change. With that in mind, why not finally implement more programs to take on said
problems. The Bulgarian president Rossen Plevneliev has suggested in the past that we should
cut down our carbon emissions and has presented the Third National Action Plan on Climate
Change as a plan to cut down the carbon emissions by 18.5% by 2020. He has also suggested
that countries should “liberalize their energy markets” and to “diversify energy suppliers”. The
diverse energy may be that of solar or wind energy, anything that can save the planet, which is
our overall goal as UN delegates. Our job is to look for solutions and discuss the parameters to
meet the needs of everybody. Isn’t clean air and water along with a stable climate what we need
from the environmental programs? By furthering the development on natural renewable
UNEP Topic A
resources, and using the power of the UN, we can make a difference in everyday life for
everyone on this planet. It is not fair to just sit here and watch the world plunder off into the
depths of dust and emptiness. We were born to this planet, and everyone must stand up to protect
it as much as possible.

http://www.climateadaptation.eu/bulgaria/climate-change/

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/ice-age-cycles/

http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=14242B58UG288.19040&profile
=bib&uri=full=3100001~!1019740~!3&ri=1&aspect=subtab124&menu=search&sourc
e=~!horizon
http://sofiaglobe.com/2014/09/24/bulgarian-president-climate-change-not-an-illusionrequires-global-response/

UNEP Topic A
Submitted By: Republic of Colombia
The Republic of Columbia Encourages this Committee to focus on working with nations
on creating or improving nations’ policies of first waste management. Countries need to take
place a paradigm shift from the waste management to resource management, in order for waste
streams such as e-waste and organic waste to be recovered and recycled rather than disposed of.
If this committee work all the way down to the community level, communities will have access
to technical capacity to treat generated wastes, relying on informal recyclers who need to be
better integrated into formal strategies.
Municipal Solid Waste is an important waste stream that needs capacity building in
different areas of Columbia. With the Passing of Integrated Solid Waste Policy in 1988, It has
been revealed that the Policy needs to be further elaborated in the fields of Waste Prevention,
Reuse, Recycling, and Recovery. Regulations need to be established for separation at source,
selective collection, transfer stations, and material recovery facilities. There is a need to develop
policies and regulations that way the private sector can get involved with financing of the
intergraded waste management. With this in mind, we also need to improve apon the
technologies for effective waste management. With little to no technology, you cannot
effectively recycle hard materials like metals. Plastics, we are encouraging companies to go to
biodegradable products. We have so many ideas what we want to implement but our biggest
concern is money. We do not have the financial means to compensate with these programs.
In 2005, we passed policy on the integrated management of hazardous waste. This policy
has effectively reduced the use of hazardous waste and successfully regulated its means of
disposing of the waste. But we are running out of space to manage its space. We are working on
that through community officials. Technology would help that process a lot.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: The Kingdom of Denmark
Of the many international issues currently on the agenda of the United
Nations, perhaps one of the most challenging is how to mitigate and adapt to
climate change. With a 1.5°C from baseline rise in global surface temperature likely
by 2100 (Working Group I 9), climate change is an issue that is vital to address for
the sake of both present and future generations. This is because, if climate change is
not abated, research portends serious negative effects for both specific regions and
the globe at large. For example, almost one billion people will face a water shortage
in Asia and Africa by 2080 at the world’s predicted rate of warming (International
Monetary Fund 7). Of course this effect is merely one among many possible
consequences should the UN and nations fail to take concerted action against
climate change. However, it should be noted that should such action be undertaken,
a minimum of adaptation to rising temperatures will be necessary and the worst
effects of climate change can be prevented or mitigated. Thus, the United Nations
Environmental Programme (UNEP) must in this session pass legitimate and credible
resolutions to address the problems and effects associated with climate change.
In terms of reasonable reforms that the UNEP should aim to institute in this
session, the Kingdom of Denmark would like to propose, per the ideas contained in
Chapter Four of the 2008 World Economic Outlook, entitled Climate Change and the
Global Economy, the creation of a global hybrid system for the regulation of
emissions. This hybrid system would incorporate chiefly two credible macroeconomic
ideas about how to reform regulations and utilize markets to promote the reduction
of emissions: a global carbon flat tax and a global carbon credit system. For the flat
tax, carbon dioxide and other emissions are essentially given a certain price that
must be paid to emit one ton of such pollution, and by slowly increasing the cost of
this tax overtime, emissions heavy processes become less attractive to corporations
and other actors. Similarly, a global carbon credit scheme could also reduce
emissions by setting a total tonnage of global emissions per year for the globe. To
then emit a certain amount of emissions, companies would have to purchase a
permit for that amount. By doing this, the market would then drive the price but not
UNEP Topic A
amount of emissions, allowing an amount of flexibility for corporations while still
attaining overall emissions targets. However, a combination of these policies is
actually considered as the most desirable solution because it will lead to arguably
the smallest loss in global net present value of consumption (International Monetary
Fund 35).
With regard to the appropriation of money earned via a global hybrid
emissions policy, many different economic and environmental arenas present
attractive possibilities. One of the most obvious of these would be the funding of
renewable energy development programs, such as Denmark’s own Folke Centre for
Renewable Energy, which could ease adaptation into a world less dependent on
nonrenewable energy. Similarly, the UNEP could appropriate some of this money for
countries to purchase weather derivatives and catastrophe bonds to help insure
against the dangers of climate change related economic damage. Such financial
instruments are especially necessary because it appears, that even if a policy of
emissions reduction as described above is carried out, it is still likely that there will
be some level of permanent climate change, although this will be within the limits of
possible adaptation. Additionally, another likely use of these funds could be the
mitigation of humanitarian crises related to climate change, such as famine caused
by declining crop yields and water shortages due to drought. In general, the UNEP
should use the revenue generated from emissions taxes and credits policy to pursue
a balanced policy of mitigation of damage and adaptation to changing
circumstances.
Ultimately, climate change is perhaps one of the most important issues, if not
the most important, facing the international community in the coming years and
decades. Though it is hyperbolic to state that climate change could lead to the
extinction of the human race, it is entirely evident that if serious mitigation efforts
are not undertaken, significant human suffering and ecological damage will occur.
However, many of the effects of climate change can still be abated with significant
national and international effort. By pursuing a voluntary hybrid policy of carbon
UNEP Topic A
taxes and and a cap and trade scheme and reinvesting the proceeds of this policy in
renewable energy technologies and climate insurance, the UN will be able to aid the
transition of the world into a state of greater readiness to cope with the
unmitigatable issues and to prevent those that are still avoidable. If these actions are
undertaken, it is then quite evident that the UNEP will have fulfilled its role as “as a
catalyst … to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global
environment” (UNEP).
Works Cited
"United Nations Environment Programme." About. Web. 14 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.unep.org/about/>.
Working Group 1. "Climate Change 2013 Frequently Asked
Questions."Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, Mar. 2014. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/docs/WG1AR5_FAQbrochure_FINAL.pdf>.
International Monetary Fund. "Climate Change and The Global
Economy."International Monetary Fund. International Monetary Fund, 3 Apr. 2008.
Web. 15 Feb. 2015. <http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/01/pdf/c4.pdf>.
UNEP Topic A
Country: Germany
Germany believes that CO2 emissions and energy supplies are the most prevalent and dangerous
issues associated with climate change, and handling these two issues will make handling other issues,
like rising sea levels and global warming, for example, easier to accomplish.
In July 2014, Germany pledged 750 million euros (1 billion USD) to the Green Climate Fund, a UN
fund which will “play a key role in channelling new, additional, adequate and predictable financial
resources to developing countries and will catalyse climate finance, both public and private, and at the
international and national levels.” Along with this pledge, Germany has closed 8 of its 17 nuclear
reactors since 2011, and plans to close the remaining 9 by 2022.
Germany believes that reducing CO2 emissions is not equivalent to turning to nuclear power plants,
and by 2050, Germany predicts that most, if not all, of the nation’s power supply (increased from the
current 30%) will be provided by renewable sources such as wind and solar energy farms. An
"Energiewende" is necessary, a move away from fossil fuels and nuclear reactors in order to reduce
negative emissions and CO2 footprints, and has already been implemented in Germany with great
success, CO2 emissions are down 23% since 1990, surpassing original goals.
Scientific studies conducted by German scientists estimate that at least 90 trillion USD will need to
be invested in public infrastructure, such as the existing Green Climate Fund, in the next 15 years in
order to accomplish goals related to an international Energiewende, goals Germany wishes to define
with the help of supporting countries in the next international conference.
If goals are not set, funding is not pledged, or countries choose to not participate in an international
Energiewende, subsequent consequences may occur. For example, Germany collected 40 billion USD in
2008 from the tourist industry, and much of that income resulted from the ski resorts tourists visit in
Germany. Rising global temperatures have caused water to evaporate at a higher rate than is the norm,
and this affects the ski resorts' snow levels in a country where water levels are already unstable. Resorts
have turned to importing snow to keep tourists coming, lowering their net profit and affecting the
national economy. Such economic consequences may fall upon other countries if action is not taken.
Germany hopes that all countries in attendance at the next international conference will work
together to create goals for an international Energiewende in order to create a better, healthier world.
UNEP Topic A
Country: Guatemala
Across this great green globe energy is everywhere. In an increasingly industrial and energy
consuming economy new sources of power are in constant demand. As a result of this need,
new and risky forms of harnessing the massive potential of the Earth’s resources have been
developed such as Hydraulic Fracturing and Offshore Oil Drilling, as well as less damaging
sources of electricity like Solar and Tidal power. The current stance of the Republic of
Guatemala with regard to the changing climate has been unclear at best, at worst allowing
“...alarming levels of natural resource degradation and pollution…”(Melgar). This lack of a
coherent policy is mainly the result of years of dictatorial rule and isolation from the world stage.
The Republic of Guatemala has and in the immediate future will continue to play an unfortunate
role in changing our climate, as will every other nation and individual worldwide. One example
of the consequences of this policy lies in one of the worlds most traded commodities: Coffee.
Over 6.7 Million metric tons are traded around the world every year. Coffee Arabica accounts
of 78-80% of the global market. (CBC) According to recent projections published in the journal
Plos One 99.7% of wild growing arabica coffee could be wiped out by 2080. (Davis) A reduction
of this magnitude would make a massive impact on world trade and is only one of many
economical implications of climate change.
In order to address this environmental as well as economic calamity, the Republic of Guatemala
would like to propose a new avenue of research. Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors provide that
avenue. In the 1960’s during the onset of the interest of nuclear power, two directions were
available. One lead to the now ubiquitous Uranium Reactor Core, the other towards Torium.
The former was pursued, the latter was not. The majority of research has gone towards
uranium fuel sources. Many nations have acknowledged the dangers of Uranium based nuclear
power and have taken steps to remove it as a port of their infrastructure, due to the nature of
disposal. Using the concept known as Isobreeding Thorium based reactors are more efficient,
cost effective and fundamentally safer. Their primary safety benefit stems from their inability to
“run away” or melt down due to the nature of using liquid salt as a heat exchanger, air cooling
methods as well as the primary fuel source being in a liquid. As to cost, raw thorium can be
utilized, reducing the refining costs. The environmental Impact is much less compared to
uranium, with 83% of the waste having a half-life of a few days, while the remaining only needs
300 years to reach safe levels, compared to the 10,000 needed for most uranium waste.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, more research, funded primarily by the World
Bank and NGO’s such as the World Research Institution is needed in order to advance
this field of energy and to relieve citizens of the world of the burden of a weakened
climate and economy.
UNEP Topic A
Works Cited
Melgar, Horaldo. "GUATEMALAN FOREIGN POLICY GUIDELINES."GUATEMALAN
FOREIGN
POLICY GUIDELINES (n.d.): n. pag.GUATEMALAN FOREIGN POLICY GUIDELINES. 2008.
Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
News, CBC. "Coffee Beans in Danger of Extinction - Technology & Science - CBC News."
CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 10 Nov. 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
Davis. "The Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Arabica Coffee." Plos One. Plos One,
2012. Web. 2015.
UNEP Topic A
Haiti
Climate Change as a Result of Haitian Deforestation
A threatening problem to not only Haiti’s economy, but their health as well is climate
control and the strain that this situation puts on the small island country is creating a
continuous downward spiral with a detrimental future. One major factor that contributes to the
ever changing climate of Haiti is the deforestation of the island. Ever since 1804, Haitians have
been cutting down their forests to pay back debts of various large countries. This is represented
by the French colonialists’ reparations that they imposed on the peoples. Another instances
where the mahogany trees of the islands were cut down for payment is 1915 to 1934, with the
United States’ occupations of the island followed by the concentrating of land to specific
owners. Both of these large countries’ policies have forced the Haitians to reduce the tree
coverage of the island to less than 2 percent. This major loss of trees contributes to the
devastating landslides and tropical storms that the native peoples have to deal with. The odd
number of hurricanes would not affect the country as much as if the terrain was similar to
nearby Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but since there is an absence of trees to hold together
the soil, landslides in the country, with each storm, are almost inevitable. These landslides can
be, and are often, damaging to the environment, which is costly for the government and
people. Another problem facing Haiti is the overuse of charcoal for cooking, which is unhealthy
for the citizens and terrible for the environment. Less of a threat, but still a problem are the
droughts occurring out of season, that ruin crops and provide a lack of water suitable for
people to drink on the island.
UNEP Topic A
There are many small projects to try and help these problems, such as tree planting and
the building of artificial lakes, but the government and the United Nations has not provided
much relief. The UN Development Programme is working on a program that has countries that
are to receive debt from small island countries, such as Haiti, cancel their debt. This program is
split between agencies with differing opinions on whether or not this is just. A program such as
this one would help immensely with Haiti’s deforestation problems because it would allow for
the trees that are planted to stay in the ground. They would not be dug up for reparations and
some of the effects of the hurricanes would be lessened.
Works Cited
Raymond, Prospery. For Haiti, climate change is more present fear than horrible
imagining. The Guardian, 15 December 2011. Web. 12 February 2015.
Mathiesen, Karl. UN proposal of debt relief for climate adaptation divides aid experts.
The Guardian, 21 October 2014. Web. 12 February 2015.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: Israel
“Climate change demands an urgent solution.1” By definition, climate change is a change
in weather patterns which include temperature, humidity, wind and seasons. Climate change is a
very controversial topic, but most scientists believe that climate change is caused by humans. We
burn coal to get energy which generates 70% more carbon dioxide than natural gas.
Unfortunately, carbon dioxide is the major culprit of greenhouse effect. It is a fact that the
climate is changing even faster than ever before. According to the research by NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the earth has warmed about 1.53 degrees Fahrenheit
since 1880; this is an undeniable fact. Climate change is a serious problem because it will bring
disaster to every creature on earth including human. Agriculture productivity, water supply, and
offspring’s health will all be affected by extreme climate change. Obviously, climate change has
to be treated solemnly and there are several steps that can be taken to improve the environment
and reduce climate change.
Israel is one of the most important countries in the Middle East, and has been dedicated
in environmental protection since 1978. With the rapid industrial development, more and more
environmental issues have been exposing – air pollution, noise abatement, solid waste, surface
water pollution, toxic waste, etc. The toughest challenge among these, of course, is air pollution.
For example, notably in Haifa for years the population suffered from the pollution emissions of
the local oil refinery and the Israel Electric Company plant. By the end of the 1980s, Haifa was
suffering sulfur dioxide levels more than four times higher than the standard allowable. This is
also true of other heavily industrialized areas such as Ashdod, where for two decades, emission
of SO2 was so high as to pose a danger to public health and where the percentage of children and
the elderly suffering from respiratory complications was the highest in Israel2. In order to solve
this, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has drafted Abatement of Nuisances Regulations
(Prevention of Air Pollution from Electricity Production) specifically targeted at the electricity
sector. Its requirements are based on the provisions of EU Council Directive EC 96/96, with
some modifications to suit conditions in Israel. Requirements relate, inter alia, to BAT(best
available techniques) and energy efficiency.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) of Israel is setting a policy to take
private cars off the road which will lead to a reduction in gasoline consumption. The projects the
ministry will support are those that encourage alternative transportation solutions for those who
normally drive private cars to work which include shuttle buses and bicycles. The MoEP will
invest about NIS 6 million in the coming months, for an effort expected to save hundreds of
thousands of car trips per year. Deputy Environment Minister Ofir Akunis: "Israeli citizens can
imagine the financial savings if they can leave their cars at home one day a week, and get to
work via alternative transportation solutions." As a result, the emission of carbon dioxide,
nitrogen monoxide and other exhausted fumes will be reduced significantly.
1
“Climate change affects us all. So what's stopping us joining forces to act on it?” Ban Ki-moon. The Guardian, 06 May 2014.
2
“Israel Environment & Nature: Environmental Issues” D'vora Ben-Shaul. Jewish Virtual Library
UNEP Topic A
Nowadays, Israel would like to see other countries try to propose possible solutions in a
bid to protect the environment. Israel is already aware that many factorial practices in its country
directly affect the environment of other countries. Israel has to keep its industrialized society
going, but it is willing to work with other countries in order to come up with solutions to attempt
to slow the rate of climate change, because this will ultimately affect all human beings on earth.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: Madagascar
School: Mentor High School
Climate change affects everything, everyone,and everywhere. Climate change
cannot be stopped or terminated, but climate change can be both beneficial and devastating
at the same time. Climate change is not just Global Warming like some people may think.
Climate change is everything from the tides to rainfall patterns to the different mating
seasons around the world. The United Nations Environmental Programme was established
in 1972 to combat climate change. Many other committees such as the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC), and the Millenium Development Goals work towards fighting and
helping to control climate change.
Madagascar is an island nation, and is therefore directly impacted by climate
change as it continues to directly impact the survival of its unique terrestrial and marine life
as well as its people. Changes in rainfall patterns have the ability to strongly affect
Madagascar’s rainforests,
and have already started to impact the survival rates of certain species of lemurs. Their
coral reef ecosystems are vulnerable to ocean warming and acidification. In 2005, the coral
along the north east coast of Madagascar showed 80% bleaching. Shifting tides and ocean
currents can drastically effect fish populations and migration routes on many organisms.
UNEP Topic A
Action must be taken to preserve, not only Madagascar’s, but the world’s
biodiversity and the people that are affected by it, which is everyone. Steps must be taken
to reduce acidification and global warming among many other things involving the climate.
Works Cited
"Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change in Madagascar ." Assessing the Impacts
of Climate Change in Madagascar . N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
"Climate Change Impacts in Madagascar." WWF -. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
"United Nations Environment Programme." Choice Reviews Online 48.05 (2011): 482641. Web.
"United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Home Page." United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) - Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted By: Mexico
School: Rocky River High School
Mexico’s climate varies from tropical to desert, however, the country as a whole
suffers from climate change. The average temperature has increased more than 2 degrees
Celsius.
Due to the increase in climate change, 2-18 percent of mammals, 2-8 percent of
birds, and 1-11 percent of butterflies in Mexico have gone extinct. Also, Mexico is the 12th
largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world and is suffering longer and hotter periods.
Along with more droughts, intense rains and hurricanes, and mudslides.
The Mexican Government attempting to be more involved in making climate changes
less of a problem. Mexico is one of the first developing countries to make the commitment
to voluntarily diminish its carbon emissions up to 30% by 2020. In fact, they passed the
General Law on Climate Change in 2012. This law was passed along with a REDD+ law- to
prevent deforestation and forest degradation.
Mexico also released their 8 “axes” of action to combat climbing climate change.
First, they want to strengthen the resilience of Mexicans and reduce their vulnerability to
climate change. Second, they desire to reduce the vulnerability of production systems and
strategic infrastructure against weather contingencies. Third, Mexico wants to research the
adaptability of ecosystems to the effects of global warming. Fourth plan of action is to
transition to more clean energy sources. The fifth thing Mexico would like to do is to reduce
their power consumption. Sixth, they want to make cities more environmentally friendly with
certain mobility systems, better-controlled waste management, and buildings with a very low
carbon footprint. Seventh, Mexico is trying to encourage better agriculture and forestry
practices. They are enforcing this through the REDD+ law that was passed two years ago.
Finally, to improve the health and wellness of Mexicans, the country wants to reduce
emissions such as black carbon and methane.
As a solution to climate change, Mexico should enforce their 8 “axes”. They should
also pass more laws that contribute to lowering climate change just like the REDD+ law.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: Pakistan
Pakistan recognizes that climate change is a severe crisis that must be averted in order to
save the economy of not only our nation, but the world’s. Through Pakistan’s agricultural force,
it supplies 21% of the GDP, and stands for 70% of the export earnings. The Federal Advisor on
Climate Change, Dr Qamaruz Zaman Chaudhry, recognizes that the agricultural economy of
Pakistan will be severely compromised by climate change with his statement,“The current
reservoir situation, coupled with climate outlook and underground water levels going down,
cannot only cause extreme irrigation water shortages, particularly for the winter crops, but also
lead, in some areas in the country, to drinking water shortage...”. Dr. Chaudhry realizes that
climate change not only affects the agricultural productivity, but also is a threat to the well-being
of citizens. In addition, climate change will greatly affect the environment in nations as well.
Climate change can result in reduced forest areas, less than adequate factors for biodiversity,
unfavorable farm land, flood risks, and alterations in species makeup. Countries whose economy
is primarily based on agriculture, or creates a substantial profit from agricultural
products/livestock, are vulnerable to being targets of climate change.
Pakistan proposes that the UN take several actions to solve this climate change epidemic.
First, to make each nation’s citizens aware that climate change is a major threat to the health of
the country, and to support measures taken to conserve natural resources. Next, the UN will work
together to ensure security for those citizens who are affected by climate change, and reduce
risks for any other potential targets. Finally, Pakistan hopes the UN will collaborate to find
private and public sectors that will invest in adaptation and mitigation measures. The UNEP
strongly believes that if these actions are taken, the UN will see an increase of citizens adaptive
nature to this environmental epidemic and an additional movement towards conservation and
awareness of climate change.
UNEP Topic A
Works Cited
“Climate Change and Trouble with Pakistan’s Reservoirs and Dams.” The Center for
Climate & Security. N.p., 24 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Feb. 2015.
<http://climateandsecurity.org/2012/08/24/trouble-with-pakistans-reservoirs-dams/>.
Ministry of Environment. “National Climate Change Policy.” LEAD. N.p., Apr. 2011.
Web. 16 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.lead.org.pk/cc/attachments/Resource_Center/NAP/pakistan.pdf>.
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by: Poland
Committee: United Nations Environmental Protection
The Environmental protection agency defines climate change as “any significant change
in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time”(EPA). The average increase
in temperature on earth has risen 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 10 years; most scientist
attribute this to human events. The EPA states that it is due to the release of large amounts of
carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases like burning fossil fuels. The greenhouse effect traps heat
produced by the sun instead of reflecting it back into the atmosphere causing the earth to
gradually warm. The problems with the earth's climate warming is will lead to flooding,
droughts, ice caps and glaciers melting causing the sea levels rise. Also many of the greenhouse
gases created deplete the ozone layer in the atmosphere which protects us from the sun's harsh
rays. This is a global issue, and as a country apart of the European Union, we are responsible for
about 14% of greenhouse gas emissions.
A large amount of Poland's emissions are from methyl bromide, which is about 14% of
all greenhouse gases that lead to climate change. Methyl Bromide is a pesticide that is used to
protect agriculture, however it produces an ozone depleting gas that is harmful to the
atmosphere. The UNEP instituted a project in 2005 called “Total Sector Methyl Bromide Phase
Out in Countries with 60 Economies in Transition”. It’s goal is “to assist Bulgaria, Hungary and
Poland with the rapid implementation of available alternatives”(UNEP). Poland has significantly
decreased the amount of methyl bromide used since 1999. We have also adopted methods of
crop rotation to help soil durability. Around 14% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by
the agricultural sector. In Poland around 60% of our land is used for agricultural purposes, so if
we didn't use as harmful pesticides, such as methyl bromide, we could have a much greater
impact on the environment. Our country is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
taking action towards climate change. The EU recently agreed to cut greenhouse emissions by
40% by the year 2030. Poland has taken the appropriate steps towards limiting greenhouse
emissions, but there's still a lot of work to be done. We are willing to work with other countries
to produce effective plans of action towards further making change, but in order to do so we need
our global partners in the United Nations to also do their part. If our part towards decreasing the
impacts of climate change is going to be effective, it needs to happen on a global scale. Our
efforts will be deemed useless if this is not a collaborative effort by every country to reduce
greenhouse emissions.
UNEP Topic A
Works Cited
"Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data." US EPA. N.p., 9 Sept. 2013. Web. 8 Feb.
2015.
"Eastern Europe to Ban Ozone-Depleting Pesticide." UNEP. N.p., Mar. 2005. Web. 8
Feb. 2015
Labrada, R. "ALTERNATIVES TO REPLACE METHYL BROMIDE FOR SOILBORNE PEST CONTROL IN EAST AND CENTRAL EUROPE." UNEP. N.p., n.d. Web. 8
Feb. 2015.
UNEP Topic A
Monaco- UNEP- Climate Change
The issue of climate change has become a topic of interest in recent years due to research and
revelations. Climate change, the change of weather conditions over a long period of time, has become a
more prevalent topic due to the rapid industrialization of the world in the past centuries. Densely
populated areas and cities are greater contributions due to heavier use of automobiles and fuel burning
machines. Pollutants and emissions containing chemicals such as chlorine or bromine wear away at the
ozone layer, allowing more sunlight through, warming the planet over time at an alarming rate. For this
reasons, many heavily populated areas especially have taken to measures to prevent this ozone
depletion.
The Principality of Monaco is a prime example of this, being the most densely populated nation in the
world. Efforts have been taken to assist in combatting climate change and other additional
environmental issues by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The foundation has led a multitude
of projects in several areas, some of which are related to climate change. Some of these include
“Visualization of Environmental Change,” “Initiative EV20,” and “The Call of the Poles.” They each seek
related outcomes for the large goal of reducing climate change.
The aforementioned projects were all established in the past 10 years, showing that there can be no
more waiting to solve these problems. The ozone layer can not repair as quickly as it is being destroyed,
meaning action must be taken to slow down ozone depletion and, as a result, climate change.
“Visualization of Environmental Change” is attempting to set up international workshops to observe and
document climate change. Bringing the public into it raises much more awareness than just speeches
and portfolios. “Initiative EV20” is attempting to increase production of electric cars. The project
description states, “an electric car pollutes between 15% and 40% less than a petrol-powered car.”
Lastly, “The Call of the Poles” seeks to bring special care to the poles, where climate change is most
apparent.
The noble goals of these projects reflect the overall view of us to support environmental protection.
Prince Albert II and Monaco joining UNEP and Global Ocean Commission in mid-2014 makes the stance
clear for Monaco: changes must be made to protect the oceans and the land from climate change by
reducing the problem in the first place. The world should adapt projects as noble as ours.
UNEP Topic A
"Climate Change." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 22 July
2004. Web. 10 Aug. 2004.
"Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia
Foundation, Inc. 22 July 2004. Web. 10 Aug. 2004.
Study on climate change and its effects (Fr.). (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2015, from
http://www.fpa2.com/projets.php?categorie=8&lang=en
UNEP Topic A
Submitted by:
Romania
Increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing climate changes
around the world. This affects global and regional climate patterns through increased levels of
atmospheric carbon dioxide, which are often produced by the use of fossil fuels. Romania is
committed to decreasing the effects of climate change and pursuing low carbon development.
The Government of Romania has requested that the World Bank provide advisory services to
help meet this commitment. It is important to develop a strategy in response to international
climate change and low carbon development. This strategy will build a solid analytical and
knowledge base for assessment and decision making, enhance implementation capacity by
identifying carbon trading opportunities, and develop a system to monitor carbon levels.
Romania continues to encourage the international community to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and remove hazardous emissions from the atmosphere. Romania is willing to assist
with the development and operationalization of a comprehensive international climate change
and low carbon green growth strategy and action plan by 2020.3 This plan will be supported by
fact-based analysis, integrated with other national strategies, and based on extensive
consultation. The reduction of greenhouse gases, which is crucial for climate control, must be
addressed by the international community. Moreover, there must be a thorough assessment of 4
3
"Paper on Climate Change." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.
https://www.utzcertified.org/attachments/article/2174/UTZ%20Certified%20position%20paper%20on%2
0Climate%20Change.pdf
"Romania.” Climate Change and Low Carbon Green Growth Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/romania/brief/romania-climate-change-and-low-carbon-greengrowth-program.
4
UNEP Topic A
energy uses six key sectors – energy, transport, urban, water, agriculture, and forestry – before
action can be implemented.
Romania urges the global community to join in actively concentrating on climate-related
issues. This includes understanding the current climate condition, begin obtaining energy from
renewable resources, and build on the foundations of monitored emissions as outlined in the
1997 Kyoto Protocol. “Under the Protocol, countries' actual emissions have to be monitored and
precise records have to be kept of the trades carried out. A compliance system ensures that
[countries] are meeting their commitments and helps them to meet their commitments if they
have problems doing so. The Kyoto Protocol, like the Convention, is also designed to assist
countries in adapting to the adverse effects of climate change. It facilitates the development and
deployment of technologies that can help increase resilience to the impacts of climate change.”5
Romania also invites the international committee to develop more heat-efficient buildings, buy
more energy-conserving products, and research more ways to reduce greenhouse gases. Romania
would like to not only mitigate negative climate change, but also to adapt to it if necessary. To
that end, Romania is committed to both reducing its own greenhouse gases and also helping
other countries to adapt.
Romania is committed to reducing greenhouse gases and encourages other countries to
also help reduce toxic emissions, which will help control the climate. Countries around the world
must use more renewable sources for energy and use energy-conserving products. This is not one
5
"Kyoto Protocol." Kyoto Protocol. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
UNEP Topic A
country’s problem. Romania looks forward to collaborating with others to help solve this
problem.
Works Cited:
"Romania.” Climate Change and Low Carbon Green Growth Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb.
2015.
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/romania/brief/romania-climate-change-and-low-carbongreen-growth-program.
"Paper on Climate Change." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.
https://www.utzcertified.org/attachments/article/2174/UTZ%20Certified%20position%20paper%
20on%20Climate%20Change.pdf
"Kyoto Protocol." Kyoto Protocol. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
UNEP Topic A
Ukraine
Climate change is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed. According to the
United States Environmental Agency, “Climate change refers to any significant change in the
measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, climate change
includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among other effects, that
occur over several decades or longer”. In our progressing world, climate change has been
becoming an increasingly important issue that need to be addressed by the world.
The state Ukraine has places an emphasis on climate change. “Ukraine is among the top
twenty emitters of greenhouse gasses in the world after the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany,
Canada, the UK, France, Italy, and Australia”, according to the National Ecological Center of
Ukraine. Not only that but Ukraine was one of the first states to sign onto the Kyoto Protocol.
This protocol is all about the protection of the environment and is one of the first actions and
initiatives stated by the United Nation. One of more recent initiatives taken by the United Nation
that addresses the problem of climate change is the seventh goal in the United Nation Millenium
Development Goals. The seventh goal is “Ensure environmental stability” (United Nations). In
order to complete this goal, the United Nations must start actively creating policy to address
climate change.
To cut down on the effect of climate change, countries need to get together to limit the
emission of greenhouse gasses. Not only this but we must officially recognize climate change as
a problem that needs to be dealt with. Climate change needs to be addressed now.
UNEP Topic A
Works Cited
"Climate Change." National Ecological Centre of Ukraine Climate Change Comments. National
Ecological Centre of Ukraine, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
"United Nations Millennium Development Goals." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 11 Feb.
2015.
"Basics of Climate Change." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 11
Feb. 2015.
UNEP Topic A