Download Overpopulation - Malvern St James MUN 2016

MUN BRIEFING PAPER
Overpopulation: What measures could the UN
do to control the expansion of the population?
Economic and Environment
Hello Economic and Environmental delegates. I’m Tilly Norton and I will be your chair at this year’s
MSJ MUN. Please do email me on [email protected] if you have any questions!
Introduction
With overpopulation quickly becoming a huge issue, there is very little time to find a solution to the problem. The population is increasing exponentially and will continue to do so until something is done to change the trend. With time running out it has become incredibly important that the UN tries to get the situation under control. This matter needs to be
met with a sense of urgency and control, before it becomes even more of a threat. The current population is unsustainable, resources are not being correctly distributed with some areas having a surplus and others struggling against
poverty and famine. How much worse is it going to get?
Background
With the UN estimating that by 2050 there will be close to 10 billion people on the planet, for the last 500
years we have seen the population grow exponentially. With no signs of this growth rate slowing down, it is
clear that serious measures are to be taken to address the situation. Many people tried to predict the changes in population which have been proven true over time, the question posed now is will we simply adapt as
believed by Esther Boserup or will it take a Malthusian disaster to stunt the growth of our population
Causes of overpopulation:
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Developments in medication leading to a decrease in death rate and infant mortality and a considerable increase in life expectancy.
Immigration does not affect the overall population but it does greatly impact the distribution of the population leading to overpopulation in certain areas.
Less developed countries still do not have easily accessibly family planning which means that the fertility rate remains high leading the continuous increase in population.
Impacts of overpopulation:
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There has a been great strain on natural resources as the population has reached an unsustainable
point leading to a decrease in the quality of life in some areas.
The physical state of the planet has seen great alterations since the exponential growth of the population, such as the reduction in rainforests and climate change.
As the population density has increased many disputes on borders have arisen leading to different
conflicts and wars which has had detrimental impacts on everyone.
Positive aspects to population control:
MUN BRIEFING PAPER
If correctly and more importantly sustainably managed it would be a long term solution to many problems.
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Although it would be a gradual process the benefits would benefits would be felt
over a long period of time.
It would reduce the strain on resources, leading to a better quality of life for many people, as food and
housing would be more readily available.
There is a wide variety of ways that the UN could control the population such as pro or anti fiscal or
natal means, or even through relocation which allows the UN to adapt population control measures to
individual countries.
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Negative aspects to population control:
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If incorrectly managed the impacts could be equally as bad as those of overpopulation.
It may lead to an imbalance in genders meaning that the birth rate continues to drop below the estimated limit which could cause under population.
There may then be an insufficient population to fulfil the necessary jobs which would greatly impact
the countries economy.
Only the UN member states would partake in the population control so then the results may not have
a huge impact as the measures are not wide spread, so the effectiveness may not be overly effective.
Some may also argue that this is against human rights as people have the right to their own home
and family which may be removed if transmigration was enforced or an anti-natalist scheme.
Now it’s your turn!
Your first job is to write a position paper – a statement of 50 words, outlining the views of your country on
this topic.
You will need to submit a position paper by 1st November to be eligible for an award. Just email it to
me at: [email protected]
After this is sorted, it’s time to start on your resolution. This should be no longer than one side of A4, addressing how your country would resolve the issue of Overpopulation.
Questions to consider:
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Has your country been affected by a dramatic population increase?
Has your country already experienced measures to control population?
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What is the current demographic of your country’s population like? And as a result what are the impacts and how do you want them addressed?
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What does your country have to offer to help solve the problem of overpopulation, in terms of space
and resources?
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What are the long term and short term solutions that your country proposes?
Links for reference
www.un.org
www.theguardian.com
www.bbc.co.uk
www.overpopulation.org
Www.everythingconnects.org