Download Climate Change North America Position Paper

Topic: Solving Climate Change
Region: North America
Delegates: Justin Chang & Max Ho
Climate Change is one of the main global issues facing the world now.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world is
currently and will continue to see quicker “loss of sea ice”, increases in sea level,
and more “intense heat waves”. Overall, the IPCC believes “the net damage costs
of climate change” will be significant and will continue to increase over time. Due
to climate change many natural disasters occurs over time. As the sea level
increases the chances of storms and hurricanes also increases. There are over 19
storms and 10 hurricanes occurred in the US. These disasters result in billions of
dollars in repair costs, thousands of deaths and contaminate water systems. Many
countries have participated in stopping climate change, with almost 200 nations
involved in the UN’s Conference of Parties to reach a global solution cutting
emissions by 2020. Despite this, development is stunted by the economic goals of
governments and companies. Cutting emissions is often expensive and inefficient.
That is why the world is focusing on developing Clean Technology, which takes
into account both environmental protection and economic success.
Due to climate change, North America has seen increases in natural disasters
and a decrease in air and water quality. Economically, North America is also
dependent on foreign oil. Common natural disasters in North America include
wildfires, floods, heat waves and hurricanes. These disasters greatly damage
infrastructure and forests leading to heavy costs. For example, Hurricane Sandy
affected 24 states in the US costing over 75 billion USD in damage costs.
Decreases in air quality are due to increases in (not all) greenhouse gas
emissions. If the gas emissions continues to increase, North America could face
smog and health issues. Decreases in water quality are due to contamination.
Lack of clean water could cause diseases and other health issues. Dependence
on foreign oil can cause unpredictable gasoline prices. On a local scale, this could
result in citizens unable to even drive to work or school. All caused by human
activity. Transportation such as cars, trucks, vehicles that people uses every day
burns up fuels and energy sources. In the US, transportation was responsible for
27% of emissions in 2012. Releasing heat and huge amount of gas emissions.
Electricity production and use is very high, too. In the US, electricity production
was responsible for 1/3 of emissions in 2012. Canada used an average 16,473
kWh in 2011, US used an average of 13,246kWh in 2011. Overall, the world has
seen an increase in electric power consumption. These waste products are then
released into the atmosphere which leads to the contamination of the rainwater.
North America believes we have a duty to preserve the environment for the future.
North America uses clean energy solutions. Within this category includes
increasing fuel efficiency, setting limits on carbon pollution and using renewable
sources or energy and biofuel. Increasing fuel efficiency is a cheap and
transparent solution. Therefore, North America has already set targets on the fuel
efficiency of vehicles with the US demanding 2X the average efficiency by 2025.
North America have also renovated millions of houses, saving each family an
average of 400 USD annually. North America also sets standards on greenhouse
gas emissions. For example, the US has proposed carbon pollution on power
plants, unique to every state. Due to the huge amount of energy use, North
America also demands that development of renewable energy sources such as
wind farms and solar panels, as well as biofuels including ethanol and woodchips.
In the US, renewable energy production has doubled since 2008. Electric Cars
are also a viable solution. Electric cars are very efficient transportation. They run
on batteries and don’t use fossil fuels.This way by using these clean
technology; people can use the electricity and energy they need without
damaging the environment as much.
North America has always strived to preserve their vast and unique
environment for future generations to explore and enjoy. The delegates of North
America looks forward to working with other delegates to find solutions for not only
regional solutions but global agreements.
References
Data.worldbank.org, (2014). Electric power consumption (kWh per capita) | Data | Graph. [online] Available at:
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC/countries?display=graph [Accessed 27 May.
2014].
Ec.gc.ca, (2014). Environment Canada - Environmental Indicators - CESI Home Page. [online] Available at:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/indicateurs-indicators/default.asp?lang=En [Accessed 27 May. 2014].
Foundation, T. (2014). U.N. climate talks launch formal process to 2015 deal. [online] Trust.org. Available at:
http://www.trust.org/item/20140316205344-ub685/?source=quickview [Accessed 27 May. 2014].
Nrcan.gc.ca, (2013). Environmental Challenges | Natural Resources Canada. [online] Available at:
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/oil-sands/5855 [Accessed 27 May. 2014].
Randal Jackson, A. (2014). Effects. [online] Global Climate Change. Available at: http://climate.nasa.gov/effects
[Accessed 27 May. 2014].
Wunderground.com, (2014). Hurricane Archive | Weather Underground. [online] Available at:
http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/hurrarchive.asp?region=at [Accessed 27 May. 2014].