Don Mills Collegiate Institute
Model United Nations Conference 2014
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Lead Chair: Tammy Liu
Chairs: Melody Zheng, Yiwei Luo
United Nations Environmental Programme
Table of Contents
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Secretariat
Topics
1. Great Pacific Garbage Patch
○ Garbage Consumption
○ Ocean Garbage Patch
○ Efforts to Reduce Waste
○ Conclusion
2. Adaptability to Climate Change
○ Climate Changes
○ Adapting Efforts
○ UN Involvement
○ Conclusion
3. Water Shortage
○ Global Water Scarcity Tension and Issues
○ Conclusion
Awards Criteria
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environmental Programme is an organization that convenes,
facilitates, and provides scientific assessments, analysis, and projects in order to stimulate
international policy responses. It partners with and leads major programmes such as REDD+ and
the GEF. The UNEP is the lead body on climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity,
environmental governance, harmful substances, and resource efficiency. Notably, it has assisted
in creating guidelines and treaties on issues such as trade in harmful chemicals, transboundary air
pollution, and contamination of international waterways.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is also “the voice” for the
environment in the United Nations. It is a specialized programme that coordinates environmental
activities at both an international level and a local level to “promote [and protect] international
co-operation in the field of the environment.” Recent restructuring of the UNEP Governing
Council has positioned the body to better fill this role. In 2014, UNEP will implement projects
across several priority themes, including climate change, disasters and conflict, and ecosystem
management.
UNEP falls into a category of entities within the UN system identified as “programmes
and funds.” Programmes and funds are a type of entity within the UN system which is controlled
by separate and distinct intergovernmental bodies, i.e. a body comprised of Member States,
which derives “most of their financial resources from sources other than United Nations
budgets.” Further, programmes are much more “operational and carried out at field level, they
have needs dictated by an environment quite different from that of headquarters-centered
administrations.”
UNEP work encompasses:
• Assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends
• Developing international and national environmental instruments
• Strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment
• Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development
• Encouraging new partnerships and mind-sets within civil society and the private sector
Secretariat
CHAIR: Tammy Liu
Tammy is a one of three co-presidents of DMCI MUN who is currently in grade 12. Having been
a member for three years, she is knowledgeable in Model UN procedures, chairing, debates, etc.
She has participated in various conferences such as Albert Campbell C.I. 2013 and, most
recently, Lakeshore C.I. 2014.
Tammy has an abundant experience with chairing. She is known to demand control and respect
in committees, and does not tolerate folly. Her main interests in Model UN are the ideas that
delegates bring to debate and meeting new people. Tammy has been described as mature,
thoughtful, and motivated.
CO-CHAIR: Melody Zheng
Melody is a general member in DMCI MUN who is also currently in grade 12. This is the first
year that she has been a part of the club, but has been a part of the debate club for three years.
Melody is skilled at articulating points and being diplomatic to all delegates. She has a pleasant
sense of humor and is very encouraging. Her main interests in Model UN are meeting new
delegates and the discussion of interesting issues. Melody has been described as dynamic,
insightful, and enthusiastic.
TOPIC 1: Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Garbage Consumption
Waste from inland product has increased at dramatic rates ever since the introduction of plastics
in the early 20th century. This accumulation of waste has caused several environmental concerns.
Improperly disposed waste often washes into the inland waterways, eventually carrying the
waste into the ocean. The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, spanning most of the North Pacific
Ocean, stretches from the coast of Japan to California, and from the equator to 50º N Latitude.
This Gyre causes most waste in the ocean to accumulate in one place.
The majority of marine debris in the garbage patch consists of plastics. It comprises 90% of the
floating debris and 60-80% of the overall refuse. The abundance of neustonic plastic, plastic
floating on or directly below the water surface, is the largest recorded anywhere in the Pacific
Ocean at 334,271 pieces per km2, and 5,114 g per km2. Around 20% of plastic waste material
comes from ocean sources, 80% comes from land, accumulating in watersheds and washing out
to sea in rivers that drain the watersheds.
Ocean Garbage Patch
There are three major issues related to plastic waste affect the gyre:
First, the rapid accumulation of plastic debris disrupts the ocean ecosystem of the North Pacific
Subtropical Gyre by changing species habitat and endangering marine life.
Second, the toxicity of a variety of chemicals associated with plastics is a concern for fish,
wildlife, and human health. When plastics in the gyre degrade, these toxic chemicals are released,
which then bio-accumulate in the food chain.
Third, the continuing inland production of plastics causes increased plastic pollution within the
gyre.
Efforts to Reduce Waste
Increased recycling, biodegradable plastic, and reduction of waste are analyzed for effectiveness
in managing the garbage patch. An exploration of the feasibility of removing the garbage patch is
also discussed. Only with more scientific research and compatible international policy can the
garbage patch be effectively managed, and possibly reduced.
Conclusion
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a hazard to the ocean ecosystem, of which many countries
rely on for trade, production industries, and ultimately sustaining millions of jobs. It will be the
delegates’ duty to develop the best and most reasonable solution for the representing country.
Questions to Consider:
What can my country offer to help?
What would be the most beneficial to both the environment and the economic growth in my
country?
What are the effects of this environmental concern to my country?
Sources
http://www.indiana.edu/~spea/pubs/undergrad-honors/volume-4/bockstiegel_elizabeth.pdf
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/clean-up-garbage-patch.htm
http://sonjabe.com/reducing-the-great-garbage-patch/
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/great-pacific-garbage-patch
TOPIC 2: Adaptability to Climate Change
Climate Changes
Ecosystem Degradation
The loss and alteration of terrestrial ecosystems along with temperature increases have led
researchers to predict that, by 2100, most of our coral reefs will die out, freshwater species will
become extinct, and terrestrial biodiversity will be severely reduced. Though the science is clear,
there is no strong policy set within the UNFCCC or its Bali Action Plan agreed at COP13 to
support concrete action. The effects of ecosystem degradation also affect public health. Many
other countries are also plagued with health concerns due to unhealthy ecosystems. According to
an example cited in one of the reports, an increase in temperature leads to an increase in rainfall
and the frequency and severity of droughts. In turn, this results in an increase in malaria in
African, South American and South Asian countries.
Natural Disasters
From Hurricane Sandy to the floods in Southeast Asia, the effects of extreme weather events can
destroy communities and cost millions to repair. The ability to adapt relies on a variety of factors
such as the potency of the disaster, the quality of public infrastructure, and the extent of the
government’s response. When observing the vulnerability of the developing world and its
reliance on developed nations, it is important to discuss strategies in empowering nations to
effectively predict and cope with the effects of natural disasters. Infrastructure planning,
decreasing dependency on non-profits and the developed world, and a protection of rural
countries are issues to consider.
Immigration, Security, and Human Rights
Climate change is “likely to become a major driver of war and conflict” as natural disasters,
rising ocean levels, droughts, land degradation and other effects of climate change lead to job
loss, poverty, decreasing agricultural yields, the spread of disease, and mass migration.
In resolutions delegates should consider discussing the political consequences of global
warming that overlap with environmental ones. For example, although extreme weather events
such as floods and drought are conceptually environmental, their social implications such as
death, starvation, disease, mass migration and political tensions have long-term impacts on a
region's’ stability. Famine caused by drought in the Middle East and North Africa has been cited
as being one of the instigating factors of the Arab Spring. Due to drought and agricultural
uncertainty, food prices will rise and coinciding conflicts in developing nations are sure to
increase. Immigration into North America and Europe will become increasingly common, and
countries with fresh water reservoirs and fertile land will be under pressure from a parched and
famished world.
Adapting Efforts
Urban Planning
Green infrastructure has a significant role in the adaptation process since our current
infrastructure contributes to the urban heat island effect and increases surface area for rainwater
runoff. Protecting and expanding urban green spaces, creating rooftop gardens and solar panels,
and incorporating drainage systems within the landscape are some ways urban planners are
adapting to climate change. Seawalls are also important for coastal countries as the rise of sea
levels means that coastal erosion and aquaculture are in danger.
Agriculture
Harvesting a variety of species of crops, using technologies to increase crop residue retention,
diversifying farmer’s income, and managing pests through creating resistant crops are just a few
of the methods which farmers are using to adapt to climate change. These measures are
especially important in poorer countries in which the majority of citizens rely on the profits of
agriculture. Here, innovation plays its part with drought-resistant crops, dry farming, and
hydroponics in order to help farmers embrace new agricultural opportunities. Many bodies of the
UN aid in this regard; for example, the WMO uses agrometeorological products in order to
improve land use, crop selection, locust control, and management practices.
Forestry
A large number of adaptation strategies have been suggested for planted forests, including
changes in hardwood/softwood species mixes, timber growth, harvesting patterns within and
between regions, salvaging dead timber, shifting to species or areas more productive under the
new climatic conditions, landscape planning to minimize fire and insect damage, adjusting to
altered wood size and quality, and adjusting fire management systems. Issues with forest
adaptation arise with developing nations who have neither the funds nor the management
expertise nor the interest in protecting their forest ecosystems.
UN Involvement
UNEP has engaged in climate change adaptation strategies (along with other climate change
action plans) which focus on the environmental and economic needs of countries such as these
sectors:
Ecosystem-based adaptation
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) uses biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an
overall adaptation strategy to help people and communities adapt to the negative effects of
climate change. One example of such action is a project designed to reduce water-extraction
stresses on the Nile River.
Science and Research
They aim to support the development of effective adaptation options, and create more clarity on
the environmental choices available to decision makers in association with the UNEP, The
Global Adaptation Network (GAN) also works to transfer and mobilize knowledge of climate
change and adaptation strategies for countries around the world.
Economics and Finance
Global Environment Facility, the UNEP has supported the work of the Economics of Climate
Adaptation Working Group on the development of a framework to guide decision-makers in
understanding and addressing issues around potential climate-related losses to economies and
societies.
Conclusion
Questions to Consider:
What research needs to be done by the UNEP to better determine the effects of climate change?
What has the international community done well regarding adaptation and mitigation?
What needs to be improved?
How can developed countries support developing countries (especially LDCs and SIDS) in the
face of climate change?
Does our current support system need to change?
What are the effects of technology and better equipment?
Sources
http://www.economist.com/node/17572735
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21720&Cr=global&Cr1=warming#.UeuDOR
wpKi8
http://www.unep.org/climatechange/adaptation/EconomicsandFinance/tabid/29585/Default.aspx
http://www.unep.org/climatechange/adaptation/EcosystemBasedAdaptation/NileRiverBasin/tabi
d/29584/Default.aspx
TOPIC 3: Water Shortage
Clean, safe drinking water is scarce. Today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world
don't have access to it. Yet, we take it for granted, we waste it, and we even pay too much to
drink it from little plastic bottles. Water is the foundation of life, and still today, all around the
world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it. Places like sub-Saharan
Africa, the time lost from gathering water or suffering from waterborne diseases are limiting
the true potential of people. Education is lost to sickness. Economic development is lost to the
fight of survival. This needless suffering doesn’t have to continue and it is up to you to stop it.
Global Water Scarcity Tension and Issues
Many countries do not have sufficient water to meet demand, due to over-extraction. Moreover,
the scarcity of water is accompanied by the deterioration in the quality of available water due to
pollution and environmental degradation. Dams and reservoirs coupled with deforestation in
some watersheds have reduced stream water levels, lowered water tables, degraded riparian
wetlands and diminished freshwater aquatic diversity. Excessive demand for groundwater in
coastal cities such as Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Karachi and Manila has led to saline intrusion
and ground subsidence.
As well, as the resource is becoming scarce, tensions among different users may intensify, both
at the national and international level. Over 260 river basins are shared by two or more
countries. In the absence of strong institutions and agreements, changes within a basin can lead
to transboundary tensions. When major projects proceed without regional collaboration, they
can become a point of conflicts, heightening regional instability. The Parana La Plata, the Aral
Sea, the Jordan and the Danube may serve as examples. Due to the pressure on the Aral Sea,
half of its superficies have disappeared; that represents 2/3 of its volume.
Conclusion
Questions to Consider:
What world action can be taken to help preserve fresh water, or even water in general?
Are there any possible resolutions to all the tension building up?
Should and would there ever be a price on water in the future? What would that price be?
Which countries are affected the most from water shortage, and should there be aid offered on
an international basis? What else do you think could be done to help with those affected
countries?
Sources
http://www.unep.org/dewa/giwa/publications/finalreport/freshwater_shortage.pdf
http://www.globalpolicy.org/the-dark-side-of-natural-resources-st/water-in-conflict.html
http://www.trust.org/item/20140129120744-te896/
http://www.unep.org/dewa/vitalwater/article77.html
Awards Criteria
Position Paper
Coherence
Relativity to Topics
Information
/15
/5
/3
/7
Debate
/30
/5
/5
/5
/2
/3
/10
Clarity
Coherence
Persuasion
Attitude (Diplomatic)
Attitude (Character)
Information