Download United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

DPSG INTRAMUN II
UNEP
AGENDA:Global Climate Change and Rapid
Industrialisation
Introduction to UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in
1972 in order to facilitate a voice for the environment within the United
Nations. Its main aims are to work as a catalyst, advocate, educator and
facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the
global environment. The headquarters is based in Nairobi, Kenya along
with extra regional and liaison offices. The UNEP is further divided under
different criteria:







Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA)
Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI)
Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE)
Regional Cooperation (DRC)
Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC)
Communications and Public Information (DCPI)
Global Environment Facility Coordination (DGEF)
UNEP has come into particular prominence in recent years due to the
challenges of Climate Change, the issue of ever modernizing weaponry
used in warfare,which can damage the environment, as well as dwindling
resources increasing the importance of resource efficiency.
Note from the Executive Board
We’re truly glad to present before you the United Nations
Environment Programme as a part of the second edition of the
DPSG INTRA-MUN’16. Talking about the agenda for the
committee, quite a debatable topic, a current issue faced by all
the nations and an issue that is aggravating and requires
immediate hearing and seeking of solutions. Cl imate Change, in
itself is a multi-dimensional problem with varied causes
leading to substantial damage to all life forms on Earth. We
hope that this background guide will provide the delegates an
insight into the topic and help them frame an overall view of
the agenda, but further research is very essential. Delegates
are requested to research extensively about their country’s
stance on the topic and stick to their country policy during
committee proceedings. Hoping for a fruitful committee
session, we wish you luck delegates!
Regards
Executive Board (UNEP)
BACKGROUND GUIDE
Climate Change is defined as a change in global or regional
climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid
to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the
increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the
use of fossil fuels. Rapid industrialisation can be termed as a
major reason for climate change
Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent.
It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing
people, communities and countries dearly today and even more
tomorrow.
People are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change,
which include changing weather patterns, rising sea level, and more
extreme weather events. The greenhouse gas emissions from human
activities are driving climate change and continue to rise. They are
now at their highest levels in history. Without action, the world’s
average surface temperature is projected to rise over the 21st
century and is likely to surpass 3 degrees Celsius this century—with
some areas of the world expected to warm even more. The poorest
and most vulnerable people are being affected the most.
Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable countries
to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies. The pace of change
is quickening as more people are turning to renewable energy and a
range of other measures that will reduce emissions and increase
adaptation efforts.
But climate change is a global challenge that does not respect
national borders. Emissions anywhere affect people everywhere. It
is an issue that requires solutions that need to be coordinated at the
international level and it requires international cooperation to help
developing countries move toward a low-carbon economy.
Climate Change and Rapid Industrialisation as a challenge:

From 1880 to 2012, average global temperature increased by
0.85°C. To put this into perspective, for each 1 degree of
temperature increase, grain yields decline by about 5 per cent.
Maize, wheat and other major crops have experienced
significant yield reductions at the global level of 40
megatonnes per year between 1981 and 2002 due to a warmer
climate.

Oceans have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have
diminished and sea level has risen. From 1901 to 2010, the
global average sea level rose by 19 cm as oceans expanded
due to warming and ice melted. The Arctic’s sea ice extent has
shrunk in every successive decade since 1979, with 1.07
million km² of ice loss every decade

Given current concentrations and on-going emissions of
greenhouse gases, it is likely that by the end of this century,
the increase in global temperature will exceed 1.5°C compared
to 1850 to 1900 for all but one scenario. The world’s oceans
will warm and ice melt will continue. Average sea level rise is
predicted as 24 – 30cm by 2065 and 40-63cm by 2100. Most
aspects of climate change will persist for many centuries even
if emissions are stopped

Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) have increased by
almost 50 per cent since 1990

Emissions grew more quickly between 2000 and 2010 than in
each of the three previous decades.
Carbon Emission Contributions by Country
The world's countries contribute different amounts of heat-trapping
gases to the atmosphere. The table below shows data compiled by
the Energy Information Agency (Department of Energy), which
estimates carbon dioxide emissions from all sources of fossil fuel
burning and consumption. Here we list the 20 countries with the
highest carbon dioxide emissions (data are for 2011, the most recent
year available).
2011 Total
Emissions
Country Rank
Country
Emissions from
the
Consumption of
Energy 2011
Total Carbon
Dioxide (Million
Metric Tons)
1.
2.
3.
China
United States
Russia
8715.31
5490.63
1788.14
2011 Per Capita
Carbon Dioxide
Emissions from
the
Consumption of
Energy (Metric
Tons of Carbon
Dioxide per
Person)
6.52
17.62
12.55
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
India
Japan
Germany
Iran
South Korea
Canada
Saudi Arabia
United Kingdom
Brazil
Mexico
South Africa
Indonesia
Italy
Australia
France
Spain
Poland
1725.76
1180.62
748.49
624.86
610.95
552.56
513.53
496. 80
475.41
462.29
461.57
426.79
400.94
392.29
374.33
318.64
307.91
1.45
9.26
9.19
8.02
12.53
16.24
19.65
7.92
2.41
4.07
9.42
1.73
6.57
18.02
5.73
6.82
8.01
The picture that emerges from these figures is one where—in
general—developedcountries and major emerging economy nations
lead in total carbon dioxide emissions. Developed nations typically
have high carbon dioxide emissions per capita, while some
developing countries lead in the growth rate of carbon dioxide
emissions. Obviously, these uneven contributions to the climate
problem are at the core of the challenges the world community faces
in finding effective and equitable solutions.
Analysis of the Graph
It is very evident that USA, People’s Republic of China, Russian
Federation, India and Japan have to take major steps to reduce their
carbon dioxide emissions and have a major role to play as far as
temperature rise is concerned. Together, they contribute to over half
of the total carbon dioxide emissions of the world which is
staggering. While these nations regularly give statements about
steps they plan to take to reduce carbon emissions, very little has
been done as far as concrete action and legally binding
commitments are concerned.
In their defence, it is also important to understand that
industrialization, population pressure and other factors play a major
role in preventing these nations from fulfilling various commitments
or ratifying various protocols and conventions which call for steps
to reduce carbon emissions. There has to be a framework, which
takes into consideration various inhibiting factors of this sort while
also ensuring strict commitments which are legally binding for all
member nations. E.g. India will carry out so and so action towards
reducing emissions from automobile exhausts by so and so year
which will thereby reduce its carbon emissions by x%. It is evident
that getting all countries to agree to the same set of commitments is
not practically feasible and hence, countries must be made to agree
to different sets of commitments probably in various different
clusters based on various parameters.
Possible Solutions
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of this era, and it
is up to the international community to come together in order to
implement short-term and longterm solutions to mitigate the effects
of climate change. Only through cooperation and innovation will the
international community be able to solve this important problem.
One of the most comprehensive frameworks to combat climate
change is still the Kyoto Protocol, despite ongoing difficulties with
its ratification. The Protocol outlines three specific mechanisms that
signatory nations must comply with in order to mitigate the effects
of climate change:
• Emissions Trading: This mechanism allows nations with excess
carbon credits to sell those credits to nations who have not yet met
their emissions targets. While the so-called carbon market is indeed
a valuable and innovative approach toward reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, there are still issues with the mechanism that must be
solved.
• Clean Development: This mechanism involves the creation of
emissions -reduction projects in developing countries, which can
earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits. These CER credits
can then be used on the carbon market.
• Joint Implementation: This mechanism allows countries to work
together in order to create sustainable projects in return for emission
reduction units. Together, these three mechanisms of the Kyoto
Protocol have allowed most nations to cut carbon emissions by a
total average of 5%. These three mechanisms represent three areas
in which the United Nations and the international community can
come together to develop possible solutions.
Timeline for International Action on Climate Change
February, 2016 – COP 22 is taking place now and countries must
reach an immediate solution related to rising global temperatures,
climate change and global warming.
2015 – COP 21 Meet in Paris results in no concrete agreements or
solutions. The world is at peril and decisions have to be reached at
the earliest.
2014 – COP20/CMP10 Meet at Peru in Lima. Further discussions
on climate change and global temperature rise take place.
2013 - Key decisions adopted at COP19/CMP9 include decisions on
further advancing the Durban Platform, the Green Climate Fund and
Long-Term Finance, the Warsaw Framework for REDD Plus and
the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage.
2012 - The Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol is adopted by
the CMP at CMP8. Several decisions taken opening a gateway to
greater ambition and action on all levels.
2011 — The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action drafted and
accepted by the COP, at COP17.
2010 — Cancun Agreements drafted and largely accepted by the
COP, at COP16.
2009 — Copenhagen Accord drafted at COP15 in Copenhagen.
This was taken note of by the COP. Countries later submitted
emissions reductions pledges or mitigation action pledges, all nonbinding.
2007 — IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report released. Climate
science entered into popular consciousness. At COP13, Parties
agreed on the Bali Road Map, which charted the way towards a
post-2012 outcome in two work streams: the AWG-KP, and another
under the Convention, known as the Ad-Hoc Working Group on
Long-Term Cooperative Action Under the Convention.
2005 — Entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. The first Meeting
of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (MOP 1) takes place in
Montreal. In accordance with Kyoto Protocol requirements, Parties
launched negotiations on the next phase of the KP under the Ad Hoc
Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under
the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP). What was to become the Nairobi
Work Programme on Adaptation (it would receive its name in 2006,
one year later) is accepted and agreed on.
2001 — Release of IPCC's Third Assessment Report. Bonn
Agreements adopted, based on the Buenos Aires Plan of Action of
1998. Marrakesh Accords adopted at COP7, detailing rules for
implementation of Kyoto Protocol, setting up new funding and
planning instruments for adaptation, and establishing a technology
transfer framework.
1997 — Kyoto Protocol formally adopted in December at COP3.
1996 — The UNFCCC Secretariat is set up to support action under
the Convention.
1995 — The first Conference of the Parties (COP 1) takes place in
Berlin.
1994 — UNFCCC enters into force.
1992 — The INC adopts UNFCCC text. At the Earth Summit in
Rio, the UNFCCC is opened for signature along with its sister Rio
Conventions, UNCBD and UNCCD. More about the two other Rio
Conventions: UNCBD and UNCCD.
1991 — First meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee (INC) takes place.
1990 — IPCC's first assessment report released. IPCC and second
World Climate Conference call for a global treaty on climate
change. United Nations General Assembly negotiations on a
framework convention begin.
1988 — The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is set up.
More about the science of climate change.
1979 — The first World Climate Conference (WCC) takes place.
Conclusion
All in all, it is imperative to understand that the committee needs to
come up with feasible solutions which are universally acceptable to
all stakeholders. The major issue with a lot of the conventions and
agreements that have been reached earlier is that they have not been
acceptable to a lot of parties who are major players as far as carbon
emissions are concerned.
The committee needs to have a discussion either on the framing of
an altogether new and universally acceptable agreement or different
sets of agreements for low and high carbon emitter countries or
some other alternative which can ensure that all countries can
actively contribute towards preventing carbon emissions and
temperature rise. Even calling for amendments to the Kyoto
Protocol and other existent conventions, agreements and documents
can be a suitable step. Either way, all such changes must be as far as
possible universally acceptable to all stakeholders.
Additionally, it is important to look at the different gases and
constituents which contribute towards carbon emissions and come
up with possible solutions which will ensure that there can either be
alternatives to these gases or constituents or their emissions can be
reduced. The best way to solve this entire issue is to approach it in a
step by step manner trying to sort out the root causes for carbon
emissions followed by other steps which countries must take and
commit to.
Questions A Resolution Must Answer
 Emissions to start limiting them and controlling global
temperature rise?
 Apart from carbon emissions, what are othermajor causes for
climate change andwhat steps can be taken in order to control
them?
 Should there be separate parameters and targets by nations
with heavy carbon emissions as opposed to the others?
 Should various contents of the Cancun Agreements, Kyoto
Protocol, the UNFCCC and other conventions be made legally
binding so that various member nations adhere to them? If yes,
then which ones?
 What are the different factors that are contributing towards
climate change and global temperature rise and how can they
be tackled?
 What commitments need to be made on a global scale so as to
reduce climate change?
 What parameters should be followed by countries with very
high carbon emissions?
Bibliography and Additional Research Links
http://www.ipcc.ch/ http://unfccc.int/2860.php
http://unfccc.int/2860.php
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/items/6031.php 
http://unfccc.int/parties_and_observers/items/2704.php
http://mmun.nse.cn/sites/mmun .nse.cn/files/BG_UNEP_cli matechange%5B1%5D.pdf
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/3145.php
http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/3145.php
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/kyoto_protocol/ite
ms/6034.php  http://cancun.unfccc.int/
http://unfccc.int/key_steps/cancun_agreements/items/6132. php
http://unfccc.int/key_steps/cancun_agreements/items/6132. php
http://www.uncsd2012.org/
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/rio20
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science
_and_impacts/science/eachcountrys-share-ofco2.html#.VjAreiuC3IU
http://www .c2es.org/international/history- internationalnegotiations/2020- targets