United Nations Environmental Agency

1. United Nations Environmental Agency

2. Table of Contents Letter from the Chair Introduction to the Committee Topic 1: Tackling the issue of pollution and it’s affect on animal life Introduction Explanation of the Problem Focus of the Debate Questions to Consider Recommended Readings Bibliography Topic 2: Methods to promote responsible disposal of hazardous waste Introduction Explanation of the Problem Focus of the Debate Questions to Consider Recommended Readings Bibliography

3. LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Greetings Delegates, On behalf of the Dias of UNEA, it gives me the utmost of pleasure to welcome you to this committee. We hope that WINMUN 2019 will be an remarkable event for you all. MUNs offer a platform for delegates to discuss and debate serious and prevalent global issues. We expect the delegates of UNEA to collaborate with each other and present ideas in order to come up with effective and practical solutions for the agendas proposed. We hope this conference will be an opportunity to learn for all of you. We are truly excited to be working with you and seeing your innovative solutions. We wish you all the best! Sincerely, Michelle Charles Chair of UNEA

4. INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA), is a United Nations Committee dedicated to addressing and tackling the world’s most pressing issues pertaining to the environment, as well as a variety of international ecological affairs. The United Nations Environmental Assembly has discussed and found methods to resolve a multitude of global problems, for example, international pollution and littering, biodiversity loss, waste, management etc. The UNEA was founded in 1972, in Nairobi, Kenya. The UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body pertaining to the environment. UNEA consists of a membership of all 193 UN Member States. It gathers leaders for a global session in Nairobi, Kenya every 2 years.

5. Committee: The United Nations Environmental Assembly Topic: Methods to Promote Responsible Disposal of Hazardous Waste Author: Michelle Charles Introduction Hazardous waste is waste with features that make it dangerous and or capable of having an extremely detrimental effect on human and animal health or the environment. Hazardous waste is created by many sources, varying from industrial manufacturing process wastes to batteries. Such waste comes in many forms, including liquids, solids gases, and sludges. Irresponsible disposal of hazardous waste is a serious issue plaguing our world. When hazardous waste is disposed of carelessly, it’s chemicals and toxins get released into the ground and different bodies of water, the release of these harmful chemicals can reduce biodiversity, disrupt habitats and harm animal and human life. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes hazardous waste into 4 divisions; ignitability, toxicity, corrosivity and reactivity. Many household commodities contain these hazardous chemicals, and are often disposed of in regular trash, which allows for the release of said toxins.

6. Explanation of the Problem Toxic waste can damage people, animals, and plants, whether it ends up in the ground, in lakes and rivers, or even in the air. Specific toxins, such as mercury and lead, are retained in the environment for a multitude of years and accumulate over time. Humans or wildlife often engross these substances when they eat fish or other prey, such processes being called ‘bioaccumulation’. The consumption of these products has shown an increase in release in toxins, however, industrial and chemical disposal ha shown the largest release of toxic and hazardous chemicals into the Earth. Examples of harmful effects of irresponsible disposal of toxic waste: Contamination of ground water by landfill leachate  contamination of air soils pollution via soil erosion and deposition ground water contamination by infiltration sediments pollution from surface runoff

7. Explanation of the Problem Around the world, many rural nations and communities do not have the awareness and facilities to access and dispose of hazardous waste in an eco-friendly manner. Waste is often dumped in the open, with minimal protection or sealing, this allows for the environment to be far more susceptible the larger amounts of chemical and toxin. Landfills are still one of the most commonly used methods of waste management, although it requires less maintenance and finance, toxins are leached into the ground where water is predisposed to the hazardous waste. In the past, a lot hazardous wastes were only mildly regulated, allowing substantial contamination of populations and the environment. Some of the problems related to creating legislations in countries relate to the clarity in waste classification due to the incorporating the unspecific nature of the waste codes, and the freedom given to some waste generators to select their own names for the wastes that they generate. Additionally, there are no specific identification standards for ignitable and reactive characteristics for hazardous wastes.

9. Focus of the Debate Countries would need to regulate the national consumption of hazardous waste, as well as setting quotas and benchmarks, to ensure newer methods of waste management are attainable for a country to achieve. Such nations would need to come up with more innovative methods of waste disposal e.g. phytoremediation. Currently, in developing countries, there are very limited options for producers of hazardous waste to manage and dispose of it appropriately. In few cases, there are no commercial hazardous waste collection services being provided. There are no national take back schemes for unexploited or expired human medicines and e‐products, considering the large consumption of medicines and e‐products. Nations would have to create such strategies to dispose of unused or expired waste, whilst still considering their countries financial capabilities. The information surrounding hazardous waste substances is not widely known to the public, which directly affects the level of adequacy in waste disposal. Further awareness needs to be brought up to initiate strategies and regulations for people to follow.

10. Questions to Consider 1. How will LEDC’s afford more eco-friendly waste management facilities? 2. Do laws and regulations need to be changed/added to promote better hazardous waste disposal? 3. How would countries monitor and evaluate their levels of hazardous waste and methods of disposal? 4. What are different ways countries can bring awareness to newer and safer methods of toxic waste disposal? 5. How would more eco-friendly methods of waste disposal affect the industrial corporations? 6. How does the prevention of hazardous waste consumption affect methods of waste disposal?

11. Recommended Readings & Bibliography https://www.epa.gov/hw/learn-basics-hazardous-waste https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/hazardous-waste https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/toxic-waste/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412004001448 https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/61453/ https://www.intechopen.com/books/management-of-hazardous-wastes/the-management-of-hazardous-waste-in-developing-countries

12. Committee: United Nations Environment Assembly Topic: Tackling the issue of pollution and it’s effect on animal life Author: Nada Khalifa Introduction It takes a second to glance at our ecosystem only to notice the multifarious forms of contamination that has accumulated onto our planet due to pollution. From the rivers overfilled with nutrients and fertilizers from farms, and streams of toxic chemicals, to whole cities covered in nothing but smog and oceans spotted with islands of plastic. Meanwhile, the effects remain prominent in those areas close to pollution sources, pristine landscapes afar from these sources tend to experience the effects of pollution as well despite being thousands of miles away. Therefore, not only the environment, but humans are frequently harmed by pollution. As long term exposure to pollution results in diseases such as but not limited to cancer. Furthermore, species become unsafe to eat due to the accumulation of toxic chemicals on predators, as whole habitats become inhabitant, and eventually whole species become extinct. Despite the immense efforts by governments in the United Nations to reduce all sorts of pollution in cities, the effects remain evident in landscapes risking the extinction of over a million animal species. Subsequently, this will not only notably effect the biodiversity of our ecosystem with the potential loss of millions of species but it will also effect human survival; according to the recent report issued by the UN this year. With rates of extinction being the highest in history, the tackling of pollution and in particular its subsequent effect on animals remains a massive task for the committee.

13. After recent report compiled an published in the past three years by The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services –a panel of 132 nations- it was brought to the UN’s attention that biodiversity is indeed “eroding”. This report consisting a of a collaboration of approximately 150 authors from over 50 diverse nations, noted that population of the world had tripled since 1950 and is only expected to exponentially grow to around 9 billion. Eventually, this results in pressure on the humans need for natural resources, and expansion of urbanization, which subsequently, has raised the levels of pollution. This in turn has horrifically affected natural environments both land and marine, with seventy-five percent of the total that has been altered by humans. Therefore, the destruction of these habitats has endangered over a million animal species to extinction, which are essential for overall human well being. A very clear example of human well being depending on animals, are coral reefs. As the study warns, the ocean ecosystems are ignominious, with temperatures rising above preindustrial levels (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This results in the loss of coral reefs to the warming and acidifying ocean, which causes the collapse in commercial and indigenous fisheries, affecting billions of costal residents which rely on seafood as a protein source . Explanation of the Problem

14. Explanation of the problem When considering the issue of pollution it is important to note the effects of all air, land and ocean pollution on animals…and why each in turn affects humans. Pesticides and fertilizers The massive growth in crop production globally, has led to the increase of 26-fold over the past 50 years. The overuse and misuse of these chemicals has led to serious environmental consequences. Indiscriminate pesticide and fertilizer usage could event in the pollution of near by waterbodies. These pesticides kill unintended organisms, such as but not limited to beneficial insects and fish. Additionally, they alter the nutrient system and kill any sort of aquatic life. Over the years pesticides have killed key pollinators such as bees which have decreased to alarming numbers. Fertility issues Pesticides contain harmful chemicals that cause infertility in animals, contributing to endangerment. Chemicals can travel as far to have reached animals in the arctic, which consume such chemicals unintentionally. E.g. is the infertility rates of emperor penguins for over the past 3 years Air pollution Air pollution leaves animals in the wildlife venerable, with chemicals of concern such as acid rain, heavy metal, and persistent organic pollutants. The disruption of function organ, possible injury are all results of this sort of pollution. In addition, this increases the vulnerability to diseases and death, as well as dramatic changes in the food chains. Moreover, the consumption of such chemicals spread into the air allow pollutants to collect and store within animal tissue, causing a form of bioaccumulation, in which these chemical pollutants pass on from prey to predator till the highest in food chain, such as humans. Marine pollution one of the major contributors to this issue is marine pollution, which spreads from litter worldwide and giant oil spills. This all degrades slowly and persists through the years accumulating to create islands of plastic and large patches of litter on beaches. Animals often mistake this trash for food, and end either caught in the trash or consuming indigestible food. Additionally, oil spills can kill thousands of species

15. Before even being explored. This is turn becomes very difficult to tackle due to dependence of nations largely on fossil fuels an its need to be transported. Land pollution Land pollution caused by deforestation, agriculture, mining and industrialization plays a major role in harming animals. For forests ruined by deforestation, and piles of unfiltered trash filled with toxic chemicals tend to destroy habitats making them inhabitable. In many cases this change is too traumatic for the animals which eventually end up unable to acclimatize or survive. Meanwhile, land pollution increases the possibility of wild fires and the destruction on top soil layers. Noise pollution The sounds of oil and gas explorations is often deafening to sea life, such as bowhead whales, obstructing it from feeding and breeding. Meanwhile, light pollution holds a major risk of cancer disrupting circadian rhythms for both humans and animals. Another very prominent example of light pollution is its effects n sea turtle hatchlings who mistaken the lights along the beach the moon thus ruin their proper navigation. Explanation of the problem Despite the dangers put forward in this debate, many nations continue to rely on fossil fuels as main source of energy. While others refuse to assist in the issue of pollution in general, putting the interest their nation beforehand, this includes big nations such as the USA which is not immune to this erosion of biodiversity. However, this whole issue of the pollution cannot be done by the governments alone but with the support of the public as well, which in many cases may be illiterate about such situations. Furthermore, citizens by the coasts may not know the fit ways to help rescue surviving animals, which again causes even an further problem. This matter becomes more difficult with the spread of industrialization. Despite the availability of renewable resources, other sources of harmful pollution still remain there such as noise and light pollution. Lastly as said by Andrew Wetzler“means that nature is collapsing around us, and it’s a real wake-up call to humanity,”

16. It is important that the delegates note that this issue has been discussed and brought to attention of the United Nations multiple times since 1922, yet even after 25 years this issue has only worsened and not improved and especially in regards to animals. Therefore, new methods and fruitful debate must be introduced towards effective action, that will in turn save the remaining species. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the reliance of humans on such animals and the importance of their protection. Additionally, the main focus of this debate still remains on tackling the issue of pollution, taking into consideration the wider effects pollution has on the environment such as global warming. However, delegates must ensure that the solutions that are brought up or projects to tackle pollution, still help save animals whether directly or indirectly; the debate must not be centered around tackling pollution only in cities. Lastly, different kinds of pollution (land, air, marine) and their effects on animals, must all be properly addressed. Pollution in this debate is not necessarily narrowed down to only one type, however, is taken from a wider perspective. Yet, nations must note that the tackling of pollution remains more difficult, due to the fact that the human population is growing exponentially, and thus the need for expansion becomes a vital issue to discuss in this debate. As nations need consider putting the environment before their own growth, as the issue of pollution is overall a global effort and not a simple problem solved by a single nation. Modern technology and alternative renewable sources, are a big factor in this debate and part of the solution. Countries with the ability to and capability of introducing such items that will help reduce pollution must consider what these methods are and which are more important in this Focus of the Debate

17. What action has your country taken against pollution? • Is the nation willing/capable of assisting in tackling pollution? And why not? • Has the nation collaborated with multiple NGOs for this matter? • Does the nation encourage public support within its borders for this matter? • Has the nation been going towards a more eco-friendly path? If so what were these actions? • Has the nation attempted to aid other nations to become more eco-friendly? If so what were these aids? • Why is it important to save these animals? What is the nation’s stance on this topic? • How important is the biodiversity in these nations? Is the country immune to decreasing biodiversity? • What measures has the country taken to protect animals affected by pollution? • What treaties relating to pollution has the country signed before? And how many were accomplished? Such as: • Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.   Geneva, 13 November 1979 • Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions.   Oslo, 14 June 1994 • Paris Agreement.   Paris, 12 December 2015 • Convention on Biological Diversity.   Rio de Janeiro, 5 June 1992 Questions to Consider

18. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-animals-wildlife-impact-waste-pollution/#closehttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-animals-wildlife-impact-waste-pollution/#close • https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/nature-decline-unprecedented-report/ • https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/05/06/one-million-species-face-extinction-un-panel-says-humans-will-suffer-result/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.71396a4527da • https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/pollution • https://web.unep.org/environmentassembly/air • https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/how-to-beat-pollution/ • https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/air • https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/ways-plastic-pollution-impacts-animals-on-land/ • https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-pollution/quality-environment-economy/ecosystem/wild-animals.html • https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/21217/pollution_and_wildlife.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y • https://www.conservationinstitute.org/land-pollution/ • https://www.unenvironment.org/annualreport/2018/index.php • https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cities-pollution.shtml • http://web.unep.org/environmentassembly/dimensions-pollution Recommended Readings & Bibliography