United Nations Environmental Programme
This committee explores issues pertaining to the world’s ecosystem and related technological subjects. Of particular concern to this committee are issues related to sustainable development – those that can foster a more prosperous world while minimizing damage and harm to the planet. At Rotaract Global MUN, this body will debate problems related to energy, nuclear alternative sources, global accountability for industrialized nations, and the modern-day technological and infrastructure improvement of developing countries, and the consequences of tackling these and related challenges.
Topic A: Building a nuclear free world: moving away from nuclear energy and nuclear weapons
Background Guide Topic 1
In our increasingly and exponentially populated world, it is extremely important for people to have not only their safety and comfort guaranteed, but also to have them move away from hazardous and dangerous environments where life risks are high.
Lately, governments, companies and scientists have been advocating for world leaders to build a nuclear free world in order to reduce the threat to humanity represented by the perspective of the indefinite possession of nuclear weapons by nuclear-weapon states, as well as by those countries capable of enriching and utilizing nuclear energy. There are states that have not yet acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and have the attendant possibility of use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
In UNEP, we aim to present and discuss how future generations could have a nuclear free world, meaning a good and less hazardous life. The NPT non-nuclear-weapon states agree never to acquire nuclear weapons, while the NPT nuclear-weapon states in exchange agree to share the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology and to pursue nuclear disarmament. This is aimed at the ultimate elimination of their nuclear arsenals. Some countries see nuclear power as an easy option for energy and weaponry source. In UNEP, delegates will be engaged to raise their country’s position in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 7, 11, 12 & 13 (Affordable Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production and Climate Action). Themes to be covered under this topic will include alternative sources of energy, disaster management, non-proliferation treaty, research on the topic, and conflict waste management.
Topic B: Animal agriculture and energy
Background Guide Topic 2
Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, species extinction, water depletion, ocean dead zones and hunger in the world. It is particularly responsible for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions globally (of which the dangerous Methane gas and CO2), while all transportation combined only account for 16% of global emissions.
Accordingly, it is crucial for the UNEP committee to discuss the impact of Animal agriculture on the environment, energy and the survival of humankind. The unsustainable mass-production of massive commercial livestock and the cultivation of agricultural crops in developing countries that will ultimately be fed to first world cattle is devastating our ecosystems and producing unnecessary amount of GHGs. This has created food scarcity, water shortages and deforestation, ultimately leading to drought and famine.
According to Dr. Richard Oppenlander, without using any gas, oil or fuel from this day forward, we would still exceed our maximum carbon equivalent Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2030 without the electricity/energy sectors even factoring in the equation, all simply by raising and eating livestock.
Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss and present their country’s positions in relation to this topic and in accordance with SDG 1, 2, 8 and 12 (No poverty, Zero hunger, Decent work and economic growth, Responsible consumption and production).