UN Environment Programme

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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Topic 1: The question of climate change – the role of developed and developing nations in decreasing greenhouse gasses, and working towards the use of renewable energy sources.
Director:

Climate change has been on the international agenda since the early in the 1990’s. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, informally known as the Earth Summit, took place in Rio de Janeiro in June of 1992. The outcome of this, in regards to the growing problem of climate change, was the creation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With developed countries leading the way, the framework sought to minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By initially introducing the most stringent restrictions, these developed nations would allow less fortunate countries the right to develop without a potentially unfair burden placed upon fragile economies.
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Download Final Resolution
This Resolution was passed by the General Assembly

Topic 2: The question of environmental refugees in the South-Pacific region.
Director: Heather Rae

The effects of climate change on the world today are broad reaching and extensive. Such effects include the heating of the Earth’s surface temperature and the melting of polar ice caps. This in turn has led to the gradual rise of sea levels across the world and the slow resumption of land along low-lying coastal borders. For larger States the consequences of the loss of this land may be manageable, for smaller island Nations however, the continual reclamation of land can potentially signal the end of those States. In such an event the people of those Nations would become what is nominally termed “climate change” or “environmental” refugees.
Download Background Paper

Download Final Resolution
This Resolution was not passed by the General Assembly

The United Nations Environment Programme, established in 1972, refers to itself as the ‘voice for the environment in the United Nations system’. The UNEP seeks to advise and equip the peoples of the world to improve their quality of life, whilst not jeopardising that of future generations by inflicting harm upon the environment. The main goal of the UNEP therefore is the discovery and promotion of avenues through which economic development can occur in conjunction with ensuring a healthy environment. It encourages the effective and efficient use of natural resources and stresses the need for renewable energy sources and biodegradable products. In addition to it’s concern for the environment, the UNEP is also focused on the preservation of animals. Through partnering with other facets of political influence such as Non-Governmental Organisations and lobbying for international environmental legislation and conventions, the UNEP plays a practical role in acting as a responsible custodian of our planet.