MUNCCC (Model United Nations Climate Change Conference) @ Korea University
Delegate of Italy Position Paper
As we all know, it is hard to neglect the fact that greenhouse gases released from human activities are the most significant factors of climate change in 21st century. Indeed, the rate of carbon emissions from fossil fuels have significantly elevated internationally since 1900- by over 16 times between 1900 and 2008 and by about 1.5 times between 1990 and 2008. As a consequence of such dramatic elevation, climate change occurs primarily due to a thickened ozone layer and trapped gases in between the layers. More importantly, it is essential to note that climate change caused by greenhouse gases does not simply stop at environmental effect; environmental devastation often leads to other various problems as well such as social, health and economic issues.
Firstly, climate change leads to a significant damage to biodiversity. These species depend on the climate for breeding, habitat and food. If these factors start to change, so does the survival rate of these species. Not only that, the glaciers start to melt, which means that not only the animals living in the north pole, but also certain islands are in danger. In the end, the general change of the ecosystem will ultimately lead humanity into trouble.
There are two main ways, : international cooperation, individual state policies to solve this problem. However, the most important thing is to focus on cooperation between countries. Climate change is not an issue that can be solved by the effort of one country. Since we share one atmosphere that circulates every country, the efforts of every single country is most important. Although, specific responsibilities might differ, the existence of a particular duty does not change no matter how developed or poor that country is.
Firstly, in an international level, following the existing protocols and increasing the work of organisations is very important. There are two main organisations inside the UN, : United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC). The UNFCCC (also called the "Rio Convention") has entered into force on 21 March 1994 with the almost unanimous approval of the UN member states.
The stated goal of the UNFCCC was to prevent “dangerous human interference with the climate system” by the "stabilization of greenhouse concentrations in the atmosphere" (Article 2), which was to be achieved within a “time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change” (Article 2). This organisations had promoted major policies to solve this problem on an international level. Despite the involvement of many UN members states in the ratification of the UNFCCC, little has been changed with the efforts of nations to combat climate change (either individually or internationally). However, the convention is still considered as ‘remarkable’ for its time, since it at last recognized that climate change was an unequivocal fact and since it would be serving as a solid platform for other important international agreements in the future. However, considering the effects it had made until now, enforcement of this organisation is the first step we need to take. Second, The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11 December 1997, was an international treaty which committed parties that have ratified the UNFCCC to more specific emission reduction targets, with the UNFCCC serving as their basis. This was known as the most influencing protocol in mitigating climate change as a whole. However, one flaw that can be found on the Kyoto Protocol is that The emission targets, imposed by the Kyoto Protocol, applied mainly to developed nations (e.g. the European Union has pledged to cut GHG emissions by 8% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, while Japan seeks to reduce emissions by 5%) while developing countries aren’t required to commit to specific targets. Looking at the fact that 50% of the GHG emissions come from developing nations, it is now time to enforce these policies on both developed and developing nations.
Moving on to the solutions on a domestic level, it is necessary to consider the emissions made by major corporations and energy generators. To this problem, cap and trade is a policy that can effectively control the GHG emissions. Cap and trade also known as emissions trading is an environmental policy tool that delivers results with a mandatory cap on emissions. Cap and trade is the most environmentally and economically sensible approach to controlling greenhouse gas emissions. The cap part is where the emissions of each country is limited on a certain basis. This limitation comes with the idea of “trade” too. The trade also creates carbon allowances where some can exchange the amount of emissions. The less they emit, the less they pay, so it is in their economic incentive to pollute less.Cap and trade was understood as a very effective way because firstly, it has a strong binding power that limits the rate of the emission of greenhouse gas. Secondly, it can also allow the companies to have a plan of their emissions so that they don’t just emit greenhouse gas whenever they want. Lastly, it is also beneficial for the companies themselves because they can change these cuts into revenue which they can trade around with other companies. This can allow further innovations and more creative ways for the companies themselves to reduce the emission.
The delegate of Italy hopes that the committee will in the end, write an effective resolution about this agenda : devising ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This delegate believes that following the steps of the already existing ones and improving the roles could be much more effective than making a new one. Also, during the discussion, since all delegates are already aware of the impacts of climate change, the committee should focus more on talking and debating about each clause. Italy hopes for a fruitful discussion.
Bibliography
Impact of climate change on Italy: http://www.climateadaptation.eu/italy/climate-change/
CCMP – Climate Change Modelling and Policy :http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/6373/2/dp080006.pdf
Europe’s role: http://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/web/guest
Kyoto Protocol: http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php
UNFCCC : http://newsroom.unfccc.int/
Kathy Ga Yeon Moon
