1. law, govt and politics
2. government
3. parliament

th
th
24 - 26 April 2015
chaired by Andra Boca & Ovidiu Manea
Study Guide
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Galati Model United Nations 2015 – Environment Committee – Study Guide
Table of Contents ................................................................ 2
1. Welcome Letters ........................................................................................ 3
2. Introduction to the GalMUN Environment Committee ................................4
3. Finite Earth - This year’s topic ..................................................................... 5
a. Short Description .............................................................................. 5
b. In-Depth Analysis and Review of the Issue .........................................6
c. Overpopulation .................................................................................9
d. Overconsumption and Waste .......................................................... 11
e. Loss of Fresh Water ........................................................................ 12
f. Species Extinction........................................................................... 12
g. Unsustainable Agriculture ............................................................... 13
4. Strategic objectives .................................................................................. 15
5. Reference and Research Material.............................................................. 17
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Galati Model United Nations 2015 – Environment Committee – Study Guide
1. Welcome Letters
Dear Delegate,
Welcome to the 2015 edition of Galati Model United Nations!
We are extremely delighted to have you with us, so we have prepared a few words to
welcome you personally.
ANDRA-ECATERINA BOCA, Chairperson
My name is Andra-Ecaterina Boca and I am incredibly excited to chair this year's Galmun
Environment Committee alongside Ovidiu. I am currently studying Humanities in 12th grade,
part of Vasile Alecsandri Collegiate High School. On the brim of continuing my education in
agricultural sciences and health, I feel that environmental policy has become second nature
to me and, consequently, expect a smooth cooperation between us.
I have a quite diverse experience with Galmun behind me and, as a former delegate, I know
exactly what it feels like to be in your shoes. A bit nervous, or maybe confident with the
selected committee, but nonetheless eager to give your best in those three days of the
conference. I couldn't be more enthusiastic in welcoming you to the Galmun 2015
Environment Committee!
OVIDIU MANEA, Chairperson
Hi, I’m Ovidiu and, like all of you, am looking forward to the unforgettable experience that is
to come. I’m studying math and computer science in the 10th grade and my interests vary
widely. I enjoy cooking, traveling, computer design, great books, outstanding movies, all
sorts of music, the company of my friends and the love of my family.
Personally, this year’s Galmun will be a challenging one, not only due to the aspect of the
committee we are in and the complexity of the issues that are to be discussed, but also in
terms of the work we, the chairs, press and secretariat, have put in. Everything from the
workshop to the posters, promotional videos, placards, nametags and so much more has
been thought out in an original manner this year. We have dedicated our time and resources
to make the 2015 session of Galmun the best yet and to offer each and every one of you
three days of pure and unmistakeable fun. Welcome and let’s dive into the content for this
year’s Environment Committee!
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Galati Model United Nations 2015 – Environment Committee – Study Guide
2. Introduction to the GalMUN Environment Committee
In 1969, the first iconic photos of the Earth from outer space touched the hearts of humanity
with its simplicity and beauty. Seeing for the first time this “big blue marble” in an immense
galaxy brought home to many that we live on One Earth — a fragile, interdependent
ecosystem.
Our responsibility to protect the health and well-being of that ecosystem began to dawn on
the collective consciousness of the world. A point has been reached in history when we must
shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental
consequences. Through ignorance or indifference we can do massive and irreversible harm
to the earthly environment on which our life and well-being depend.
Inspired from its counterpart (the U.N. Environmental Program – in the actual United
Nations) the GalMUN Environment Committee aims to deal with the same issues that
concern the international society, such as:
climate change
disasters and conflicts
ecosystem management
environmental governance
environment under review
harmful substances and
resource efficiency
You must be prepared to undertake these worldwide challenges and anticipate future ones.
Show us what you would do, should you have the power and authority to make a lasting
change!
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3. Finite Earth – This Year’s Topic
a. Short description of the topic
This topic was specially selected so that a number of objectives should be met at the end of
the conference, both in terms of resolutions and long-term development. When we are done,
you should be able to distinguish the real solutions to the proposed question and be
completely comfortable with the logistic goals, such as organizing information into clear
arguments and expressing them in front of a crowd.
Firstly, drawing from the experience of two decades of development practice and from the
inputs gathered by the United Nations, the resulting resolution of the Committee should
propose one universal and transformative agenda for sustainable development,
underpinned by rights, and with people and the planet at the centre. An integrated set of six
essential elements is provided to help frame and reinforce the sustainable development
agenda and ensure that to the finite essence of our earth a global solution will emerge:
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dignity: to end poverty;
people: to ensure healthy lives, knowledge and the inclusion of women and children;
prosperity: to grow a strong, inclusive and transformative economy;
planet: to protect our ecosystems for all societies and our children;
justice: to promote safe and peaceful societies and strong institutions; and
partnership: to catalyse global solidarity for sustainable development.
Secondly, as chairpersons of the Environment Committee, we want to encourage you
toward an extensive reading, not only on the subject discussed, but on virtually anything
that can come as support for your arguments.
You will find attached many resources that can help you form and maintain your position,
but, apart from them, feel free to go even further in your research! The quality of your
speech will show exactly how much confidence and familiarity with the topic you have built
up. Given the extensive nature of the subject, it is easy to become side-tracked. Developing
a concise plan, learning to anticipate risks and being informed in what regards the success
of said plan (if already implemented in the history of UN), and in the end producing the
resolution in itself - all require immense patience.
Take your time to read and analyse the information embedded in this document and create
your strategy for tackling this year's topic. It will require creativity and dedication, but more
than anything, it should encourage you to think outside the box.
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b. In-depth analysis and review of the issue
Despite massive landscapes and endless blue, our planet is limited in its resources and
capabilities to support its inhabitants.
"Nature is the basis of our well-being and our prosperity. Biodiversity has declined globally
by around 30% between 1970 and 2008; by 60% in the tropics. Demand on natural resources
has doubled since 1966 and we are currently using the equivalent of 1.5 planets to support
our activities. “Business as usual” projections estimate that we will need the equivalent of
two planets by 2030 to meet our annual demands. Natural capital – biodiversity,
ecosystems and ecosystem services – must be preserved and, where necessary, restored as
the foundation of human economies and societies." - WWF Living Planet Report 2012
"Research now demonstrates that the continued functioning of the Earth system as it has
supported the well-being of human civilization in recent centuries is at risk." - State of the
Planet Declaration
All over the world we are witnessing the effects of using more resources than the Earth can
provide in the form of diminishing forest cover, disappearing coral reefs, collapsing
fisheries, biodiversity decline, increasing greenhouse gases, depleting fresh water systems,
acidifying oceans, disease, famine, mass migrations, depleting arable land, resource
conflicts and wars, just to name some of the more noticeable effects. Traditionally, when
faced with the challenge of resource depletion, countries and industries would simply focus
their needs elsewhere, but those who can no longer afford or discover such trajectories,
such as the fishing and oil industry, are left to cope with limited resources or pursue
unconventional methods, which can create a disproportionate impact on the poor, and the
ones that can are finding that even the furthest and deepest corners of the Earth are being
exploited, leaving fewer and fewer resources for future generations. The only true, longterm solution to resource depletion is pursuing and measuring sustainability.
But the international community has been long onto finding solutions. Among the first
sustained efforts to create global change in the environmental world, an important role is
played by Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of
the United Nations with regard to sustainable development. It is a product of the Earth
Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in
1992. It is an action agenda for the UN, other multilateral organizations, and individual
governments around the world that can be executed at local, national, and global levels.
The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st Century.
Agenda 21 is a 300-page document divided into 40 chapters that have been grouped into 4
sections:
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Remember these four sections - they will come
in handy while writing your resolution!
Galati Model United Nations 2015 – Environment Committee – Study Guide
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Section I: Social and Economic Dimensions is directed toward combating poverty,
especially in developing countries, changing consumption patterns, promoting
health, achieving a more sustainable population, and sustainable settlement in
decision making.
Section II: Conservation and Management of Resources for Development Includes
atmospheric protection, combating deforestation, protecting fragile environments,
conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity), control of pollution and the
management of biotechnology, and radioactive wastes.
Section III: Strengthening the Role of Major Groups includes the roles of children
and youth, women, NGOs, local authorities, business and industry, and workers; and
strengthening the role of indigenous peoples, their communities, and farmers.
Section IV: Means of Implementation: implementation includes science,
technology transfer, education, international institutions and financial mechanisms.
Partnerships are considered one of the most participatory and effective mechanisms to
implement sustainable development and enhance international cooperation.
Partnerships for sustainable development have a special character; they are voluntary,
multi-stakeholder initiatives specifically linked to the implementation of globally agreed
commitments, in particular in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on
Sustainable Development (WSSD) (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation), Agenda 21, the
Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio+20 (see next)
outcome. However, these partnerships are not a substitute for government responsibilities
and commitments; they are intended to facilitate, strengthen and expedite implementation
by involving those relevant stakeholders that can make a contribution to sustainable
development.
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), also known as
Rio 2012, Rio+20, or Earth Summit 2012 was the third international conference on
sustainable development aimed at reconciling the economic and environmental goals of the
global community. Hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro from 13 to 22 June 2012, Rio+20 was a
20-year follow-up to the 1992 Earth Summit / United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED) held in the same city, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg.
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Partnerships should be an integrant part of the proposed
resolutions. We strongly advise you not to neglect them!
The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (Earth Summit 2002) affirmed UN commitment to "full implementation" of
Agenda 21, alongside achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and other
international agreements. The Earth Summit 2002 represents another vital landmark in the
history of international environmental initiatives. Important partnerships have formed at
the conclusion of the Summit.
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Galati Model United Nations 2015 – Environment Committee – Study Guide
The ten day mega-summit, which culminated in a three-day high-level UN conference, was
organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and included
participation from 192 UN member states — including 57 Heads of State and 31 Heads of
Government, private sector companies, NGOs and other groups. The decision to hold the
conference was made by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/64/236 on 24 December
2009. It was intended to be a high-level conference, including heads of state and
government or other representatives and resulting in a focused political document designed
to shape global environmental policy.
The official discussions had two main themes:
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how to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people
out of poverty, including support for developing countries that will allow them to
find a green path for development;
how to improve international coordination for sustainable development by building
an institutional framework.
A few key global leaders - mostly G20 leaders and namely United States President Barack
Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and UK Prime Minister David Cameron—did not
attend the conference and blamed their absence on the ongoing European sovereign-debt
crisis. Their collective absence was seen as a reflection of their administrations’ failure to
prioritize sustainability issues.
"In not attending, the prime minister is sending out a powerful signal that the UK
government does not see sustainability as a priority", Joan Walley, chair of the UK
environmental audit committee said to The Guardian.
The primary result of the conference was the nonbinding document, "The Future We Want",
a 49-page work paper. In it, the heads of state of the 192 governments in attendance
renewed their political commitment to sustainable development and declared their
commitment to the promotion of a sustainable future. The document largely reaffirms
previous action plans like Agenda 21.
Some important outcomes include the following:
 “The text includes language supporting the development of Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), a set of measurable targets aimed at promoting sustainable development
globally. It is thought that the SDGs will pick up where the Millennium Development
Goals leave off and address criticism that the original Goals fail to address the role of the
environment in development.”
 The attempt to shore up the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in order to make it
the “leading global environmental authority” by setting forth eight key
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recommendations including, strengthening its governance through universal
membership, increasing its financial resources and strengthening its engagement in key
UN coordination bodies;
Nations agreed to explore alternatives to GDP as a measure of wealth that take
environmental and social factors into account in an effort to assess and pay for
‘environmental services’ provided by nature, such as carbon sequestration and habitat
protection.
Recognition that "fundamental changes in the way societies consume and produce are
indispensable for achieving global sustainable development.” EU officials suggest it
could lead to a shift of taxes so workers pay less and polluters and landfill operators pay
more.
The document calls the need to return ocean stocks to sustainable levels “urgent” and
calls on countries to develop and implement science based management plans.
All nations reaffirmed commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.
In addition to the outcome text, there were over 400 voluntary commitments for
sustainable development made by Member States.
At the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment, 40 African countries agreed
to implement "The Future We Want".
Now we have pinpointed a few of the key moments in the international society that have taken into
account the finite characteristic of our planet. What were a few essential aspects of this issue?
c. Overpopulation
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Map of countries by population density, per square kilometre.
Overpopulation occurs when an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its
habitat. Human population is growing at a rate of approximately 78 million people per year
with over 7 billion people living on the planet today and estimates reaching between 8 and
11 billion by 2050 and up to 15 billion by 2100.
Graph of human population from 10,000 BCE – 2,000 CE
According to Steve Jones, head of the biology department at University College London,
"Humans are 10,000 times more common than we should be." In order to reduce the
adverse impacts of overpopulation, mitigation measures, such as spreading awareness and
education about overpopulation, enacting birth control measures and regulations, and
providing universal access to birth control devices and family planning, must be taken. In
countries like China, the government has put policies in place that regulate the number of
children allowed to a couple, and some leaders and environmentalists are suggesting that
the United Nations implement a China-like one-child policy globally to help control and
reduce overpopulation gradually.
Others, such as Gerard K. O'Neill, Marshall T. Savage and John S. Lewis, have suggested
building space habitats in asteroid belts or the Venusian atmosphere as viable solutions to
successfully sustaining current population growth rates. Stabilizing human overpopulation,
outside of relying on an undesirable United Nations global takeover of the bedroom or
waiting to send future populations to space, is possible through widespread availability of
family planning, spreading awareness on the causes and effects of overpopulation,
providing easier access to birth control devices and implementing social norms, such as
social marketing strategies, to educate the public, particularly in developing countries,
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about overpopulation and provide them with the tools they need to make the decisions they
want.
Note: In the Reference List Appendix you will find a link to the Worldwatch Institute: Nine
Population Strategies to Stop Short of 9 Billion, which will lead you through some of the most
popular solutions to curb overpopulation, essential to the resolution of the main topic.
d. Overconsumption and Waste
Waste, also known as rubbish, trash, refuse, garbage, junk, and litter, is unwanted or useless
materials. There are many types of waste, including municipal, hazardous, electronic, biomedical, radioactive, industrial and more. In the US, they generate more waste than any
other country in the world, recycle far less than other developed nations, and waste half of
their food, which costs them $164 billion annually, more than half of their energy through
inefficiency, three-quarters of their fuel in gas guzzlers, 95% of water in their homes, at
least 11.4 billion dollars in recyclables and so forth.
According to the Global Footprint Network, "Humanity uses the equivalent of 1.5 planets to
provide the resources we use and absorb our waste. This means it now takes the Earth one
year and six months to regenerate what we use in a year. Moderate UN scenarios suggest
that if current population and consumption trends continue, by the 2030’s, we will need the
equivalent of two Earths to support us. And of course, we only have one.
Turning resources into waste faster than waste can be turned back into resources puts us in
global ecological overshoot, depleting the very resources on which human life and
biodiversity depend." As Annie Leonard puts it, "It seems impossible that we are consuming
an amount equivalent to more than the total resources produced by the planet each year. In
fact, it's only possible because the planet's been around much longer than we have and has
had time to accumulate extra."
Waste can contaminate virtually anything, including soil, air, surface and ground water,
which can lead to serious problems for humans, other species and ecosystems. Waste
treatment and disposal produces significant greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon
dioxide and methane, which are contributing significantly to global climate change and
attracts rodents and insects which harbour gastrointestinal parasites, yellow fever, worms,
the plague and other conditions for humans. Exposure to hazardous wastes, particularly
when they are incinerated, can cause various other diseases including cancers. The need for
expansion and siting of waste treatment and disposal facilities is increasing worldwide with
a growing market in the trans-boundary movement of significant amounts of waste from
developed to developing nations.
Landfills, E-waste and Incineration are a just few of humanity's "dirty" habits; some are
slowly beginning to conquer more and more territory. Americans generate trash at an
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astonishing rate of 4.43 pounds per day per person, which translates to 250 million tons per
year. This is almost twice as much trash per person as most other major countries. Some of
this trash gets recycled or composted, some gets incinerated but the majority is buried in
landfills.
Note: Find more on Overconsumption and Waste Management in References and Research
Material: Zero Waste America; The Story of Stuff - The Story of Solutions; Water Resources
Impact - Landfill and Landspreads Hazards.
e. Loss of Fresh Water
What a blue planet ours seems. We might even go as far as to think its endless blues will
never cease to exist, that they will support our anthropic deeds forever. But we would be so
wrong.
UNEP has been long fighting this particular aspect of our finite resource issue. UNEP water
policy is defined in part by the overall mandate of UNEP as set forth in the resolutions of the
United Nations General Assembly and the UNEP mission to provide leadership and
encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling
nations and people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future
generations. By the beginning of the 21st century, more and more representatives, from all
sectors of society have integrated in their practices what is called development of
integrated water resources management and water efficiency plans. This came as a
prerequisite of the Johannesburg Summit 2002 – the World Summit on Sustainable
Development – that brought together governments from all over the world, aiming to
create sustainable solutions for the finite water resources all over the world, but especially
in the areas affected by desertification.
Note: Read more at Water Policy and Strategy of UNEP (References and Research Material).
f. Species Extinction
We have...
the
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
picked,
logged,
plucked and
hunted
for
animals,
trees,
flowers and
fish
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
medicine,
souvenirs,
status symbols,
building materials
food.
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Biodiversity has declined by more than a quarter in the last 35 years. The Living Planet Index
(LPI), which tracks nearly 4,000 populations of wildlife, shows an overall fall in population
trends of 27% between 1970 and 2005. That's not good news.
In general terms, population growth and our consumption are the reasons for this enormous
loss. Specifically, habitat destruction and wildlife trade are the major causes of population
decline in species.
In 2009, humanity used 40% more resources than nature can regenerate in a year.
This problem - using resources faster than they can regenerate and creating waste such as
CO2 faster than it can be absorbed - is called ecological overshoot.
We currently maintain this overshoot by liquidating the planet’s natural resources. We can
cut trees faster than they re-grow, and catch fish at a rate faster than they repopulate.
While this can be done for a short while, overshoot ultimately leads to the depletion of
resources on which our economy depends.
Adding to the pressure is Climate Change - the full effects and impacts on Biodiversity and
how life may (or may not) adapt is still very much an unknown quantity.
We know that humans, and our behaviour, have changed the Earth's ecosystems more
rapidly and extensively in the past 50 years than in any other period of human history and
that the next 30 years are crucial.
g. Unsustainable Agriculture
The world is in transition from an era of food abundance to one of scarcity. With 40% of the
planet’s land devoted to human food production, up from 7% in 1700, and as the world’s
demand for food rises 70% by 2050, feeding a rapidly growing human population can and
should be done by adopting a sustainable food production approach that can run
indefinitely with minimized impacts on the environment, animal welfare and human health.
By letting go of the currently dysfunctional food production model with its dependence on
chemical inputs and technological fixes, and by adopting an ecological and sustainable food
production approach with more strategic use of fertilizer and water, we could dramatically
boost global crop yields and achieve our goals of alleviating poverty, eliminating hunger,
and reducing the adverse environmental impacts of agriculture.
Climate change will reduce crop yields in many countries and after 2030 food, fibre and fuel
will compete intensively for limited land and water resources, adding to the difficulty of
feeding our growing population. A comprehensive examination of nearly 300 studies
worldwide shows that organic, small-scale farming can feed the world. Organic farms in
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developing countries outperformed conventional practices by 57% and organic agriculture
could produce enough food, on a per capita basis, to provide 2,640 to 4,380 calories per
person per day, which is more than the suggested intake for healthy adults. In conditions of
drought, organic corn yields are 31% higher than non-organic since organically managed
soils trap more carbon in the soil, which allows the soil to hold in more water and nutrients.
According to the study, "With the average yield ratios, we modelled the global food supply
that could be grown organically on the current agricultural land base. Model estimates
indicate that organic methods could produce enough food on a global per capita basis to
sustain the current human population, and potentially an even larger population, without
increasing the agricultural land base and while reducing the detrimental environmental
impacts of conventional agriculture."
A United Nations Human Rights report, “Agro-ecology and the right to food” is based on an
extensive review of recent scientific literature which demonstrates that agroecology, which
is the application of ecology to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems,
if sufficiently supported, can double food production in entire regions within 10 years while
mitigating climate change and alleviating rural poverty." The report states, “To feed 9 billion
people in 2050, we urgently need to adopt the most efficient farming techniques available.
Today’s scientific evidence demonstrates that agroecological methods outperform the use of
chemical fertilizers in boosting food production where the hungry live -- especially in
unfavorable environments.”
Furthermore, according to the most comprehensive analysis of world agriculture to date,
pesticides are not necessary to feed the world. For example, Indonesian farmers have
reduced pesticide use on rice fields by 65% and experienced a 15% crop increase. As PAN
states, there are alternatives to relying on pesticides: "There is another way. Agroecology is
the science behind sustainable farming. This powerful approach combines scientific inquiry
with place-based knowledge and experimentation, emphasizing approaches that are
knowledge-intensive, low cost, ecologically sound and practical. Home use of pesticides —
which on a per acre basis outpaces use on farms by a ratio of 10 to 1 — puts families across
the North America at unnecessary risk. Alternatives are available to manage home, lawn
and garden pests without toxic pesticides."
As Worldwatch Institute states, "A fundamental split has emerged in national and
international discussions between embracing an ecological approach to food production
and clinging to the currently dysfunctional model with its dependence on chemical inputs
and technological fixes. Without radical changes in how we farm, food production will
continue to be at odds with the goals of alleviating poverty, eliminating hunger, and
restoring natural ecosystems."
Moreover, according to a comprehensive, fact-based, balanced two-and-a-half year study
by the Independent Pew Commission on industrial farm animal production, factory farms
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often pose unacceptable risks to public health, the environment and the welfare of the
animals, and recommended that significant changes be implemented immediately.
Note: Find U.N. report on Agro-ecology attached to the References and Research Material
section: Big Question - Feast or Famine?; Eco-Farming UN Report.
Bibliography: http://www.icleiusa.org/about-iclei/faqs/faq-iclei-the-united-nations-andagenda-21#what-is-agenda-21
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnerships.html?utm_source=OldRedirect&utm_
medium=redirect&utm_content=dsd&utm_campaign=OldRedirect
http://www.uncsd2012.org/about.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Conference_on_Sustainable_Development
4. Strategic Objectives
Study and apply strategies from past U.N. conferences:
The months between your being admitted to the GalMUN conference and the event itself
should define the quality of your research. Take your time and read everything you can find
regarding the topic. Context is important: you will find attached explanations and
references to the biggest international events on environmental sustainability, from
Agenda 21 to Rio+20. Make sure you are acquainted to them - they will help in contouring
your own resolution.
Apply these strategies from the Finite Earth standpoint:
What have you found in your research that overlaps with the topic at hand? It might interest
you whether or not some implemented measures have eradicated some important issues,
or if they have otherwise failed to do so. On the other hand, apart from international
forums, you might stumble upon groundbreaking private initiatives. Do not hesitate to take
them into consideration! It is the originality of your solutions that will distinguish you from
other delegates.
Find real solutions:
What specifically can your country bring to the table? Does your country have an extensive
history with sustainability policy? Has it ever contributed to the international society with
proposals? Make sure you do not stray from your assigned country - sometimes, restraints
can actually prove beneficial. Having to juggle with too much data can be confusing, so stick
to your own.
Write your resolution (be as inclusive as possible):
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Take into account context, partnerships, past initiatives, potential risks and opportunities.
You can never be too inclusive.
In the end, do not forget to add an assessment method:
How can you know your implemented solutions will actually give palpable results? By
adding an assessment method to your resolution. After the period of time in which your
solutions are implemented, people will want to know if you've been bringing their country
prosperity or have simply wasted valuable time and funds.
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5. References and Research Material
(ALL CRUCIAL FOR A GOOD POSITION PAPER, OPENING SPEECH AND DRAFT
RESOLUTION)
o The Millennium Development Goals Report:
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20Report%202012.pdf
o Overpopulation facts: the problem no one will discuss:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNxctzyNxC0
o The Story of Stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GorqroigqM
o The Story of Solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpkRvc-sOKk
o Water Resources Impact - Landfill and Landspreads Hazards:
http://ag.arizona.edu/region9wq/pdf/AWRA_0709EvensenArticle.pdf
o Zero Waste America: http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/Landfills.htm
o Threats to Biodiversity:
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/biodiversity/threatsto_biodiversity/
o Eco-Farming Can Double Food Production in 10 Years, says new UN report:
http://www.srfood.org/images/stories/pdf/press_releases/20110308_agroecologyreport-pr_en.pdf
o Big Question: Feast or Famine? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1IWkbU0SG4
o Water Policy and Strategy of UNEP:
http://www.unep.org/Themes/freshwater/Documents/Water_Policy_Strategy.pdf
o State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity
http://www.worldwatch.org/stateoftheworld2012
http://www.progressive.org/rio_20_kicks_off.html
o The Future We Want - Rio 20 Summit: http://www.slideshare.net/uncsd2012/thefuture-we-want-rio20-outcome-document
http://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/biores/news/agreement-reached-on-weakenedoutcome-text-as-leaders-arrive-for-rio-summit
o The Science of Overpopulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-yN2G5BY0
o Overpopulation - The Future of Planet Earth – Documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn5sEipg5tc
o http://www.everythingconnects.org/overpopulation-effects.html
o Wikipedia! – although not the most reliable source, it definitely will help you with
understanding the bulk of information that you are required to know
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