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SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
Committee Background Guide
nited Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
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Enhancing global climate resilience: Strengthening international
cooperation and adaptation strategies.
Published by Yusra Fatima, Areeb Bakheet, Leanne Yoon, YoonJong Oh.
Written in Proprietary MonthlyMUN Format, Designed by YoonJong Oh
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
TABLEOFCONTENTS:......................................................................................................................................................2
LETTERFROMTHEEXECUTIVEBOARD:....................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTIONTOTHECOMMITTEE:......................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTIONTOTHEAGENDA:..................................................................................................................5
KEYTERMS:....................................................................................................................................................................................6
STANCESOFSTAKEHOLDERS.................................................................................................................................7
POSSIBLESOLUTIONS.......................................................................................................................................................8
QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER:.......................................................................................................................................9
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LETTERS FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:
Greetings Delegates!
Hello,
y name is Yusra Fatima! I will be one of the chairs of this committee. As someone
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who started her MUN journey as a very hesitant and shy delegate, I understand how
intimidating MUNs can be.But here is some quick advice for you, MUN requires
diligent research: so use valid/credible sources and be thorough with your
information. Remember it's always quality and not quantity as it's more impactful,
giving you a steady stance. Being a leader is not speaking over others but recognizing
others and making sure everyone meets at a common ground and is validated.
Hello, delegates,
y name is Areeb Bakheet, a sophomore from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is more than a
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privilege to be your chair in this prestigious committee of UNGA20. I started my
MUN journey by attending the KSAMUN online conference followed by the C4C
conference held in New York. Then 3 months later, I attended JAMUN, carried on by
my latest conference DMUN. I highly appreciate MUN as it has promoted me to
enhance my knowledge of the global issues we face. Although becoming a pro
MUNner takes time, MUN opens up your perspectives – that’s what it’s all about! I
hope to see you soon, thank you.
Feel free to contact the chairs on WhatsApp:
Yusra Fatima: +971 54-330-2787
Areeb Bakheet: +966 54-037-3475
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INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE:
he General Assembly serves as a vibrant hub for policy-making and dynamic
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discussions. With participation from delegates representing all member states, it
forms an inclusive and influential platform for multilateral deliberations on a diverse
range of global challenges as outlined in the UN Charter. Each of the 193 member
states holds an equal vote, enabling equal representation and fostering a democratic
decision-making process. In addition, the MUN General Assembly assumes vital
responsibilities such as appointing the Secretary-General, electing non-permanent
Security Council members, and approving the MUN budget, cementing its
significance in shaping the MUN landscape.
INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA:
I n a time when climate change's effects are becoming more and more apparent,
improving climate resilience worldwide is a critical problem.
umerous harmful repercussions have been released by climate change, which is
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mostly the result of human activity like the release of greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. These include changes in ecosystems, increasing sea levels, more
frequent and severe natural disasters, and extreme weather events. These shifts have
an impact on economies, cultures, and natural systems all around the world,
frequently escalating economic and social inequality.
his agenda is two-fold in its focus. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of
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international cooperation – since climate change is a global issue, global solutions are
required. This situation is not a burden of one country alone, but rather of the entire
global community. International cooperation is essential for exchanging information,
materials, and tactics for enhancing resilience and adjusting to the changing
environment.
econdly, the agenda explores a variety of adaptation tactics that nations can use to
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shield economies, ecosystems, and people from the effects of climate change. These
tactics cover a broad range, such as the creation of infrastructure, readiness for
Written in Proprietary MonthlyMUN Format, Designed by YoonJong Oh
e mergencies, sustainable agriculture, conservation initiatives, and more. A secure and
sustainable future in the face of the intensifying climate disaster depends on the
identification and execution of strong adaptation strategies.
he increasing difficulties of climate change necessitate global cooperation and
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shared responsibility among all stakeholders for a resilient and sustainable future.
KEY TERMS:
● B iomass: a set of physical phenomena related to the presence and flow of
electric charge, or in other words, the amount of energy stored in a system or
area, usually in pursuit of profit. Humans have been using biomass energy –
energy from living organisms – since the advent of fire.
● Carbon budget: The sequential carbon budget sets out a cost-effective route to
achieving the UK's long-term climate target. Enshrined in the Climate Change
Act, this initial target aims to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by at least
80% by 2050 compared to 1990. Taken together, a sequential carbon budget
sets out a roadmap cost-effective program for the UK's long-term goals. climate
goals.
● Carbon intensity: Carbon intensity is a measure of how clean our electricity is.
It refers to the number of grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) released to generate
one-kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity. Electricity produced from fossil fuels
emits more carbon compared to renewable energy sources such as wind,
hydropower, or solar, with a nearly negligible carbon intensity. Using
electricity with a low carbon intensity value reduces overall carbon emissions,
especially if our electricity usage lines up with clean energy production periods.
● Climate change: Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature
and weather conditions. Such changes may be natural, due to changes in solar
activity or major volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities such
as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas have been the main cause of
climate change. Burning fossil fuels, in particular, produces greenhouse gas
emissions that trap heat inside our atmosphere like a blanket.
● Energy mix: The term “energy mix” refers to the combination of different
sources used to meet the energy needs of a given geographical area. It includes
fossil fuels (oil, and natural gas) and other more sustainable sources
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( bioenergy, hydro-energy, wind energy, and solar energy). Few countries in the
world use one primary fuel or primary energy stream to power the entire
country. Different energy services tend to use different sources.
Greenwashing: Greenwashing is a PR tactic used to create the impression that
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a company or product is environmentally friendly without significantly
reducing its environmental impact. Nature-inspired images, green buzzwords,
vague statements, and “green” solutions often misdirect consumers away from
the real problem. Greenwashing aims to strengthen a company's public image
or increase sales by convincing people that their purchase will help the
environment.
CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS:
espite efforts detailed in the Paris Agreement, countries are drifting farther from
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these goals. Current climate pledges project 2.5 degrees Celsius or so of warming by
2100 at current rates. In order to keep global warming at safer levels, global emissions
would need to plunge roughly 60 percent by 2035. This stipulates a much faster
development and implementation of sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, or
nuclear power and a sharp decrease in pollution from non-renewable fuels. However,
nations continue to disagree over who should decrease emissions the most.
STANCES OF STAKEHOLDERS:
nited States: The United States has shown questionable international cooperation in
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climate change, especially with its failure to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and its eventual
withdrawal from the international agreement. Nonetheless, the United States has
committed itself to combat climate change, with over $240 billion in clean energy
investments since President Biden took office.
ussia: Despite global concerns about exacerbated climate change, Russia has taken
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steps to loosen its reins on the matter. The bill, adopted in June 2021, does not
enforce emissions quotas or impose penalties on emitters. Rather, it simply stipulates
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t ransparent reports starting from 2024. Under current policies, Russia’s emissions will
continue to rise until 2030, when they should be rapidly declining.
hina: While Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to reduce emissions by 65% from
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their 2005 level by 2030 and work toward carbon neutrality, the Chinese leader
recently stated that China would put the country’s needs first rather than being
swayed by others. To date, China prioritizes adapting to the impacts of climate change
over its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I ndia: The National Electricity Plan sends both praise and worry at India’s efforts to
combat climate change. While the policy includes increased renewable energy
capacity and limited additional coal power plants, the Indian government envisions
needing more nonrenewable energy than is compatible with the 1.5ºC pathway. India
must find a way to balance its economic development with the environment or
reassess its priorities.
enmark: Denmark is a consistent forerunner in the Climate Change Performance
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Index. It has committed itself to achieving a 70% emissions reduction compared with
1990 levels and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Danish government
has also implemented measures to assess progress towards net zero. Moreover,
Denmark adopted a new CO2 tax in June 2022. While this tax does not cover the
entire economy, the CCPI deems this to be an effective measure to decrease
emissions.
PAST ATTEMPTS:
● United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
○ This framework, established in 1992, set the scene for international
efforts to address climate change – notably, it set goals to prevent
dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system and put
accountability on developed countries to lead the mission.
● Kyoto Protocol
○ This protocol, adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005, set new
precedents as the first legally binding climate treaty. It stipulated that
developed nations reduce emissions by an average of 5% below 1990
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levels. However, the treaty failed to propel major carbon emitters like
China and India into action. The United States signed the agreement but
never ratified it and later withdrew its signature.
Paris Agreement
●
○ The Paris Agreement required all countries to pledge to reduce
emissions. It also set the goal of preventing the global average
temperature from rising 2ºC above preindustrial levels and reaching
net-zero emissions. However, according to a report released in
September 2023, the global society is not on track to meeting its goals
detailed in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
1. W hat creative funding sources and financial methods can be investigated to
assist global large-scale climate resilience projects?
2. In order to preserve ecological and cultural variety, how might adaptation
techniques be specifically designed to meet the requirements and
vulnerabilities of indigenous communities and ecosystems?
3. What legislative frameworks and humanitarian remedies should be created to
support people who are displaced or climate refugees in light of the increasing
amount of migration caused by climate change?
4. How can the commercial sector contribute to improving climate resilience?
What financial incentives may be established for companies to adopt
sustainable and adaptable practices?
5. How can we better prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters by
utilizing technology and data-driven solutions like early warning systems and
climate modeling?
6. What are some effective techniques for integrating these two parts of climate
adaptation and mitigation? How can governments balance their efforts in these
areas?
7. How can initiatives to build climate resilience be made sure that they don't
unintentionally damage ecosystems or worsen environmental degradation?
8. In what ways may the public's knowledge and instruction be improved to
motivate both individual and group efforts toward climate resilience and
promote sustainable lifestyles?
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