Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Eva Carr

Colombia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on air quality. Particularly air pollution poses a significant threat to Colombians health and wellbeing, environment and economy. Climate change directly harms the clean air breathed, water drinked, food eaten, the house lived in, education and livelihood grown. Greenhouse gases are what cause these necessities to diminish further exacerbating climate change. Colombia recognizes these impacts climate change has on its people’s health, environment, and economy. We believe major activities such as transportation, agriculture (particularly deforestation), waste, fossil fuel operations, commercial and residential energy should be reduced for the sake of Colombians and the Earth. To succeed in this goal, our Nation has made previous regulations for these major contributors to climate change in order to prevent further pollution on the air quality. One of these domestic policies include the revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) officially submitted on December 29, 2020. The NDC was developed under the Ministry of Environmental and Sustainable Development with the Intersectoral Commission on Climate Change (CICC). This aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% and black carbon emissions by 40% in 2030 protecting both the health of its people and the environment.
Climate change affects Colombians’ health greatly. Currently, 60% of Colombians breathe polluted air that does not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines. The particles in Black Carbon, known as particulate matter, can pierce through the lungs making it easier to transport toxic compounds into the bloodstream. This polluted air has resulted in poor health and premature deaths of countless Colombians; most of whom live in vulnerable communities. Some of these premature deaths have resulted in many adults with strokes, heart and lung disease, chronic respiratory diseases, heart attacks, asthma, and more symptoms. This can not only affect adults, but also children. It is found that exposure to air pollution can widely affect a child’s growth and development especially around 2 years of age. Even exposure to a low amount of pollution can stunt a child’s growth causing long lasting damage to their brains, lungs, reproductive organs, and immune systems, leaving them at risk for developmental disabilities.
Climate change is also detrimental to the environment. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for more than 15,000 deaths in Colombia. Of these deaths, 40% of fossil fuel burning is the largest contributor of air pollution. Burning firewood for heating and cooking (contributing to deforestation), diesel for transportation, agricultural burning residue after harvest and brick production are all other major contributors to environmental exploitation. These pollute nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and other particulates, and in some cases also emit greenhouse gases in particular, carbon dioxide. When suspended in the atmosphere, black carbon (soot) contributes to global warming by converting radiation to heat and also influences cloud formation impacting the weather as well as precipitation patterns which are major components of agriculture and ecosystems. Alternatives for Colombians who want to prevent these actions of environmental exploitation could be to install solar panels used to heat water when cooking or for other residential uses, using electric vehicles for transportation as a sustainable practice or cycling, using no-burn alternatives, these include using several methods to manage plant waste instead of burning crop residues, and composting or mulching organic crop waste and applying it back to the fields restoring nutrients back to the soil. Recently, The Colombian National Planning Department (DNP) approved the Colombia Solar Program in 2025 to provide 1.3 million low-income homes with installing photovoltaic solar panels promoting sustainable energy practices instead of relying on electricity. This $2.1 billion initiative is currently distributing $83.5 billion pesos from 2026 to 2030.
With our Nation’s new reforms, we can better help to reduce these threats of climate change to the air quality first by supporting Bogotá’s “Plan Aire 2030”, developed by Breath Cities Initiative and partnering with the Nation’s capital, Bogotá. This plan supports city leaders in their efforts to reduce emissions from transportation and construction as well as help to prevent wildfires, management and monitoring, and assess how different communities are affected. These initiatives are crucial in taking the next step towards reducing the impacts of climate change on air quality as this helps Colombia accomplish this goal by 2030. Lastly, Colombia is actively implementing environmental protection to its Amazon rainforest specifically because of environmental crime and endangerment of rich biodiversity. In 2020 Colombia secured $28.2 million to implement the Colombia REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) project, also known as Vision Amazonia. Led by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the project protects biomes through monitoring forests and management practices, benefiting farm owners. According to the UN, the goal of Vision Amazonia is to “promote conservation and sustainable land management in rapid deforestation areas like Mapiripán.” and runs until the end of 2026 next year. This project helps to not only protect Colombia’s Amazon rainforest, but prevent further harm from the act of deforestation, allowing the air quality to benefit because of more carbon sequestration from trees.
Colombia is prepared to work with fellow nations that prioritize regulations on excess greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and black carbon emitted from energy, industry, transport, household, agricultural, and waste management sectors that affect the environment and population health and wellbeing. By prioritizing the impact of climate change on air quality, we can protect both our people and environment from a detrimental or even fatal crisis.

Works Cited
“Black carbon | Climate & Clean Air Coalition.” Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), https://www.ccacoalition.org/short-lived-climate-pollutants/black-carbon. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“Bogotá.” Breathe Cities, https://breathecities.org/cities/bogota/.
“Colombia.” Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, https://www.climatecentre.org/wp-content/uploads/RCCC-Country-profiles-Colombia_2024_final.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“Colombia: Information sheet on climate change, air pollution, and health.” UNDP, 23 July 2025, https://lancetcountdown.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Colombia_Info-Sheet-V1.0_23Jul2025.pdf.
“Colombian conflict survivors turn forest heroes in search of climate change solutions.” United Nations, United Nations, 16 November 2024, https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/11/1157066#:~:text=Marco%20recounts%20a%20gradual%20awakening,different%20future%20for%20the%20Amazon.
“Colombia’s $2.1B Solar Program for Low-Income Households.” Youth Power, Youth Power, 13 November 2025, https://www.youth-power.net/news/colombias-2-1b-solar-program-for-low-income-households/#:~:text=Economic%20and%20Environmental%20Benefits,practical%20choice%20for%20everyday%20households.
“Pollution and child development.” Van Leer Foundation, 7 February 2024, https://vanleerfoundation.org/ecm-article/pollution-and-child-development/. Accessed 27 November 2025.
UNEP. “Colombia.” Climate & Clean Air Coalition, CCAC Secretariat, https://www.ccacoalition.org/partners/colombia.
UNEP. “Colombia’s NDC increases its 2030 climate change ambition and integrates new targets that simultaneously improve air quality and health.” Climate & Clean Air Coalition, CCAC secretariat, 24 February 2021, https://www.ccacoalition.org/news/colombias-ndc-increases-its-2030-climate-change-ambition-and-integrates-new-targets-simultaneously-improve-air-quality-and-health#:~:text=Breadcrumb,SLCPs%29%20directly%20contribute%20to%20both.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Kyra Valeros

United Nations Environment Programme
Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Japan
Kyra Valeros
Forest Hills Eastern

As the leading global authority on environmental issues, UNEP reminds us that the world now faces a triple planetary crisis driven by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss (UNEP, Regulating Air Quality). Air pollution already contributes to more than eight million deaths each year, making it one of the most urgent public health challenges we face. For Japan, a country with a long history of addressing industrial pollution and adapting to changing weather patterns, these concerns feel immediate and personal. Rising temperatures influenced by human activity, as confirmed by the IPCC, continue to worsen air quality and create new risks for communities across East Asia.

Japan also understands that the decline in air quality is not just caused by large factories or power plants. In many parts of the world, farming practices like burning crop residue and the continued use of unsafe cooking fuels add huge amounts of smoke and pollutants to the atmosphere. UNEP and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition both point out that cleaner cooking technology and improved agricultural tools can deliver fast and affordable improvements. Japan has developed energy efficient stoves, clean fuel alternatives, and low emission farming methods and believes these tools should be shared widely through international cooperation.

The people most affected by climate related declines in air quality are often those with the fewest resources to respond. Small island states, low income neighborhoods, and countries without strong air quality laws are especially vulnerable. UNEP’s assessment of air pollution legislation shows that many nations still lack monitoring systems or basic protections. Japan believes that stronger economies have a responsibility to support these regions through funding, technology sharing, and long term adaptation planning. By focusing on realistic steps like improving legislation, expanding clean cooking access, and protecting vulnerable populations, Japan hopes this committee can make real progress toward cleaner air and a safer future for all.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Ethan Han

Climate change is arguably the most pressing environmental challenge we face today. For Algeria, the impact of a warming climate stretches far beyond merely rising temperatures, but also threatens air quality, public health, and national stability. As the general heat level increases, wildfires intensify, desert dust worsens, and pollution becomes increasingly harder to manage. Algeria recognizes that air quality decline is not only an environmental harm but a barrier to sustainable development, energy transition, and sovereignty. Considering these implications, Algeria’s position on this issue is based on practicality, flexibility, and equity.

In recent years, Algeria has taken steps to manage its own air quality and climate risks through its National Climate Plan and its ongoing energy transition strategy. Algeria faces severe climate pressures, with the Sahara pushing northward, recurring wildfires, and dust storms that heavily affect PM10 and PM2.5 levels. Cities located in the coast such as Algiers and Oran suffer from vehicle emissions and industrial pollution. These overlapping challenges reveal a pressing challenge as climate adaptation is needed, but addressing air pollution without financial and technical support will be extremely difficult. Algeria, therefore, believes that any solution to air quality must be aligned with sustainable development and realistic national capabilities.

Algeria’s three core requirements for a plan addressing climate-related air quality are that, firstly, solutions must support sustainable development. Cleaner air cannot come at the expense of economic stability. Programs such as clean cooking access, wildfire prevention, and alternatives to crop-burning must provide real benefits for rural and vulnerable communities. Secondly, environmental standards must account for national capacity. Strict regulations without assistance risk marginalizing states with less advanced infrastructure, especially when many African and Global South nations contribute the least to the crisis yet face the greatest harm. Algeria will oppose proposals that impose rigid requirements without financing, technology transfer, or phased implementation. Thirdly, national sovereignty remains central. Air quality and climate strategies must respect each country’s right to manage its own resources, and environmental priorities without overdependence on foreign systems.

Algeria’s policy objectives include the development of Green Air Quality Infrastructure and the creation of an International Financing and Technical Support Mechanism. These programs, guided by UNEP, should issue recommendations on industrial emission controls, clean energy integration, and sustainable urban planning, while providing the resources and support necessary for implementation. In addition, Algeria advocates for an environmental reporting framework that tracks air pollution sources. Algeria supports ongoing efforts such as the UNEP Air Pollution Legislation Assessment and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. These frameworks already guide cooperative solutions and Algeria calls for Global South Pilot Programs which would test innovative air-quality management models under real conditions, and is willing to host or participate in these programs. With climate change intensifying air-quality challenges, Algeria urges the international community to pursue solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and supportive of developing states. Algeria is committed and stands ready to collaborate with all nations to bring about a cleaner, healthier, and environmentally sound future that benefits every nation.

Works Cited:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/03/27/cleaner-air-is-within-reach-by-2040-new-report
https://wedocs.unep.org/items/1ed450e4-8f00-4133-9248-a9f2cb4a4666
https://wedocs.unep.org/items/767d1aca-6ad0-488b-a203-1a38e9c3da5b
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Jessica Liu

92% of the world’s population lives in places where the air quality levels exceed the limits recommended by the World Health Organization, highlighting the urgent global crisis of climate change and its devastating impact on environmental and public health. In Ukraine, these challenges have deep historical roots. Dating back to its Soviet energy model, dominated by coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric-based energy production, it began to heavily impact urban and rural environments. These environmental pressures, combined with recent wartime damage to infrastructure, have only culminated in an air pollution crisis. Recognizing the critical impact of climate change on air quality, the delegation of Ukraine stresses the need for coordinated global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate air pollution while protecting ecosystems and human health.

In recent years, Ukraine has taken measures to address both climate change and conventional air pollutants, as many sources, including energy production, industry, and transport, contribute simultaneously to greenhouse gas emissions. The Law of Ukraine No. 991-IX, established August 10, 2024, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; increase absorption across various sectors; increase the share of renewable energy and alternate fuels; lower the energy intensity of GDP; enhance resilience; ensure environmental, food, and energy security; and achieve climate neutrality, supporting the Paris Agreement target statistics. In addition, Ukraine has a chance to develop a modern energy system with a more efficient and balanced mix, increasing both its energy security and economic resilience. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s energy system and infrastructure have been severely damaged, the cost to rebuild according to EU standards in 2024 alone amounting to $67.8 billion. However, despite this crisis, Ukraine now has the opportunity to renew its grid without its previously centralized model and dependence on imported fuel. Furthermore, air-quality monitoring initiatives, such as Clean Air for Ukraine, now include over 250 stations nationwide and track environmental damage in war-affected regions.

With this in mind, Ukraine urges the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to strengthen international cooperation to address climate change and air quality in tandem. The delegation emphasizes the importance of accelerating renewable energy adoption, reinforcing emission standards across energy, transport, and industrial sectors, and taking measures to protect communities from pollutant exposure. Through these efforts, Ukraine seeks to safeguard public health, prevent further environmental damage, and contribute to global climate objectives.

Works Cited

Bandura, Romina, and Alexander Romanishyn. “Striving for Access, Security, and
Sustainability: Ukraine’s Transition to a Modern and Decentralized Energy System.” Csis.org, 2025, www.csis.org/analysis/striving-access-security-and-sustainability.

Popov, Oleksandr, et al. “Risk Assessment for the Population of Kyiv, Ukraine as a Result of
Atmospheric Air Pollution.” Journal of Health and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 25, Pure Earth, Jan. 2020, pp. 200303–3, https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-10.25.200303.

“The New Green Reconstruction Project for War-Affected Regions Is Being Launched by the
‘Clean Air for Ukraine’ Program – Все про повітря.” Все про повітря, 29 Feb. 2024, cleanair.org.ua/en/13327/proekt-zelena-vidbudova-ukraini-vid-chiste-povitya-2.

“Ukraine’s Climate Policy Goals Defined by the Law of Ukraine.” Ukrainian Climate Office, 14
Nov. 2025, ukrainian-climate-office.org/en/infographic/ukraines-climate-policy-goals-defined-by-the-law-of-ukraine-no-991-ix-article-4-08-10-2024.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: China
Delegate Name: Shyla Chadda

United Nations Environment Programme
Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
China
Shyla Chadda
Forest Hills Eastern High School

Air pollution has been a significant global concern since the Industrial Revolution, when the increased burning of coal led to higher emissions of pollutants. This has been combined with climate change, as greenhouse gases have altered the global climate and weather patterns. In 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) labelled air pollution as one of the most severe environmental health threats. In 2023, the WHO reported that approximately 8.1 million people die annually from air pollution, making it the leading environmental health risk globally. By 2050, climate change is projected to increase by 20% in major cities. According to ​​the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service, in 2023, the increase in wildfires caused by climate change produced over 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Still, more than 2.4 billion people still rely on polluting fuels, worsening the air quality. The UN has taken steps to combat the environmental risk of climate change by focusing on tracking global air pollution trends. Additionally, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) helps countries reduce pollutants such as methane and carbon dioxide.

China emphasizes international collaboration and is a leader in addressing air pollution worsened by climate change. 1.6 million premature deaths per year occur in China due to climate-driven pollution and extreme weather obstacles such as wildfires and heatwaves. 64% of China’s population, who live in urban areas, are vulnerable to poor air quality. As a major manufacturing hub and with a large population, China has taken action and contributed as a member of the UNEP, WHO, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the CCAC. China is actively involved in participating in a positive change by contributing data, funding and policy committed to monitoring emissions. Through the World Environment Situation Room (WESR), China provides satellite readings that help track particulate matter, ozone, methane, and CO2 emissions. China also contributed to the Kigali Amendment, which committed to cutting HFCs. Additionally, in 2018, China launched the Blue Sky Protection Plan, which was specifically implemented to improve air quality. It targeted major pollutants with strict controls on industry and transportation use. The plan focused on converting millions of households from coal to clean energy and strengthening monitoring of pollution-harming factories. As a result, China’s national PM2.5 levels decreased by 40% from 2013 to 2020. China has reduced PM levels by 40%, a change, according to the UNEP, that is the “largest air-quality improvement in the world within a decade.” Furthermore, in 2021, China launched the world’s largest carbon market, which covered over 4.5 billion tons of carbon emissions. These actions align with China’s push to reduce the environmental strain of air pollution.

China remains committed to improving air quality while addressing the climate forces that worsen pollution. China focuses on cutting the major pollutants such as PM2.5 and ozone, reducing coal usage, and expanding to renewable energy. Furthermore, China highlights implementing further standards of stricter monitoring of risks. In doing so, China reinforces its commitment to both national health and international cooperation in confronting the air-quality challenges driven by climate change.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Sophia Mahajerin

United Nations Environmental Programme
Impact of Climate Change and Resource Consumption
Federal Republic of Germany
Sophia Mahajerin
Forest Hills Eastern High School

Climate change and rising resource consumption have become alarming global issues, and countries around the world are already facing the consequences. Extreme weather, rising temperatures, water shortages, and overall changing ecosystems are putting pressure on communities and their natural resources. According to the UN, global temperatures have already increased over 1°C, and if current trends continue, these impacts could force millions of families into poverty and threaten food and water supplies, which may already be an issue. Rapid consumption of resources, especially energy, water, and raw materials in specific, is also increasing environmental stress. Global material use is expected to double by 2060. Organizations like UNEP have played a huge role in raising awareness, encouraging countries to adopt sustainable practices and providing solid data. This issue is important for UNEP to address, because climate change and overconsumption directly affect environmental stability, human health, and long term development. The Federal Republic of Germany cares deeply about this topic because it impacts Europe’s climate goals, food and water security, and global economic stability. The United Nations has taken many actions, including the Paris Agreement and various UNEP programs that help countries cut emissions and use resources more responsibly. These efforts highlight how urgent the issue is and why it must be addressed now, not put off as it has continuously been.

Germany has been making a collected effort to promote sustainable resource use and lessen its impact on climate change. Germany has a very strong, legally binding commitment to climate protection, aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These goals influence almost all of Germany’s environmental policies. Being one of Europe’s environmental leaders, Germany has made significant investments in wind and solar energy and is still growing these movements. Germany supports recycling, sustainable economy practices, and reducing dependence on raw materials. Germany works closely with the others in the EU, writing policies for such topics, a good example being the European Green Deal, which aims to lower emissions and create more sustainable energy systems. Germany and UNEP collaborate closely on a global scale to fund climate adaptation projects, support endangered countries, and promote global cooperation on environmental issues. In a time of climate change and increasing demands on natural resources, Germany has been a strong and consistent force in addressing these challenges head on.

Overall, Germany wants to support solutions in this committee that help countries deal with climate change and reduce unnecessary resource use in a realistic way. Germany believes UNEP should help create clear global standards for keeping track of emissions, water use, and material consumption so that countries can measure progress in a transparent way, to manage their own. Germany also supports pushing for more renewable energy, better energy efficiency, and new technologies that can cut waste and reduce pollution. Additionally, Germany is in favor of promoting increased renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and innovative waste and pollution-reducing technologies. Since not all nations have equal access to resources or technology, education and assisting nations in developing their capabilities are also crucial. Finally, Germany wants to make sure that climate policies are ethical and fair, protecting people and reducing inequality while still moving the world toward a more sustainable future so future generations can continue to thrive as we have. In general, Germany would like to support solutions in this committee that assist nations in addressing climate change and realistically cutting back on wasteful resource use.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Cindy Jiang

Climate change poses one of the greatest environmental risks of the 21st century, with tremendous impacts on both humans and ecosystems. At the root of this crisis are global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution. Air pollution, closely linked to these causes, is the “silent killer” that claims more than 8.1 million lives every year, according to the UN Environment Programme. It is an inevitable consequence that, if left unaddressed, will continue to degrade the environment and human health. Protecting Earth’s most valuable resource—clean air—must be a global priority. Bangladesh, a country in South Asia, has experienced these effects intensely and is ranked among the nations with the highest levels of air pollution. Major sources of pollution in Bangladesh include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and widespread brick kiln operations. These pollution sources have had severe consequences, contributing to over 80,000 premature deaths in Bangladesh alone.
To mitigate the impacts of air pollution, Bangladesh has introduced several regulations, including bans on certain types of vehicles to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, taxes on individuals who own more than two cars, and stricter laws on brick kilns to improve overall air quality. An example of this is the “bus ban” announced by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), which removes buses older than 20 years and trucks older than 25 years from the roads. Furthermore, Finance Minister A.H.M. Mustafa Kamal implemented a car tax on multiple car ownership as a disincentive to owning more than one vehicle. These government actions and policies share one unified goal: to reduce vehicle emissions and exhaust in order to ultimately improve air quality. Globally, the international community has already begun enacting several strategies to address the impacts of climate change and air pollution. One major approach involves mobilizing industries and private-sector actors to redirect investments toward cleaner, renewable, and higher-impact sectors. Secondly, international organizations provide advisory support to help countries better understand their air quality, including identifying pollutants and determining their sources. Governments and experts also continue to enhance the evidence base for informed decision-making by expanding the use of air quality monitors, health-impact assessments, pollution tracking, sector-specific interventions, and economic analyses. Finally, significant progress has been made in strengthening global and regional movements by building networks of activists, governments, scientists, and NGOs dedicated to improving air quality and advancing environmental cooperation. These efforts have shown how combating air pollution is not as hard as it seems. As a developing country, Bangladesh encourages the global community to offer more support through climate funding, cleaner technology, and regional cooperation so nations can better reduce emissions. By working together and sharing data and resources, Bangladesh believes countries can make real progress toward cleaner air and a healthier future.

Works Cited
“Air.” UNEP – UN Environment Programme, www.unep.org/topics/air. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025. unep.org
“Climate Change Impacts on Air Quality.” U.S. EPA, www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-air-quality. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025. US EPA
“Clean Air Act and the Economy.” U.S. EPA, www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-and-economy. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025
“Not so Fast, Experts Warn as Dhaka Tries to Clear the Air with Car Tax and Bus Ban.” Mongabay, 1 Jun. 2023, news.mongabay.com/2023/06/not-so-fast-experts-warn-as-dhaka-tries-to-clear-the-air-with-car-tax-and-bus-ban/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025
“Report on Brick Kiln Pollution” (PDF). Department of Environment, Government of Bangladesh, 2020, doe.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/doe.portal.gov.bd/page/cdbe516f_1756_426f_af6b_3ae9f35a78a4/2020-06-10-10-14-5c997af8b7845a59a5f8dd1c41dd7f13.pdf.
Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“How the Facts of Climate Change Are Connected to Its Causes and Effects.” United Nations, www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“NCA5 — Fifth National Climate Assessment.” U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, toolkit.climate.gov/NCA5 Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Reid Osiecki

Climate change and air quality are deeply interconnected, as rising global temperatures intensify ozone formation, increase wildfire risk, and contribute to higher concentrations of particulate matter. Ireland currently enjoys relatively strong air quality compared to many industrialized nations, yet it still faces domestic challenges. These include persistent rural burning of solid fuels, as well as growing vehicle emissions in urban centers such as Dublin and Cork. Ireland recognizes that the climate crisis threatens to worsen these problems through shifting weather patterns, increased smog, and more frequent extreme weather events.
As a committed member of the European Union and the Paris Agreement, Ireland supports international environmental cooperation and UNEP-led initiatives aimed at reducing both climate impacts and air pollution worldwide.
II. Country Policy
Ireland’s national policy seeks to protect public health while meeting ambitious climate goals. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act (2021) established legally binding carbon-reduction targets, requiring significant emissions reductions across every sector of society. Ireland has already taken major steps toward this transition, including restrictions on bituminous coal and ongoing efforts to phase out highly polluting solid fuels on a nationwide scale.
To reduce climate-related air impacts, Ireland continues to expand renewable energy generation—particularly wind and solar—while investing in cleaner public transport and electrification initiatives. Ireland actively participates in EU-wide air-quality monitoring programs, including through the European Environment Agency, ensuring transparent data collection and early identification of pollution risks.
Ireland views strong environmental governance as essential to maintaining its air quality. Through its Clean Air Strategy, the state emphasizes the link between climate resilience,
public health, and environmental justice, and supports aligning national policy with broader EU Green Deal objectives.
III. Proposed Solutions / Recommendations
Ireland encourages UNEP and its member states to pursue sustainable, equitable approaches to improving global air quality by:
Supporting clean cooking and heating initiatives in developing nations through UNEP and Irish Aid to reduce reliance on high-polluting solid fuels.
Advocating for transition financing from wealthier countries to help low-income states move away from polluting fuels and develop resilient clean-energy systems.
Enhancing global data sharing on air pollution using satellite networks, open-source monitoring, and standardized reporting frameworks.
Promoting nature-based solutions—such as peatland restoration, reforestation, and wetland conservation—to remove pollutants from the air while strengthening carbon sinks.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Toby Leopold

The Philippines is concerned with the rapid deterioration of air quality because of the environmental issues it creates. Increased pollution, rising temperatures that trap harmful particles, more frequent smoke, and other climate issues that make breathing conditions worse. As a climate-vulnerable country, The Philippines wishes for global cooperation to ensure that the impacts of climate change on air quality are addressed in a sustainable and effective way.

The Philippines is requesting international support to improve air quality monitoring systems, especially in areas most affected by pollution and extreme weather. In addition to this, The Philippines is advocating for equitable access to cleaner technologies and resources for developing nations so that all countries can better protect public health as air quality continues to worsen.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Mason A Jones

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental health risks of our time. Due to factors like wildfires, vehicle emissions, and cookstones, 99% of the world’s population breathes unsafe air. Globally, if we do not improve air quality around the world, many health risks would increase for humans, and climate change will worsen.
As a country, Slovenia struggles with good air quality. Our capital, Ljubljana, is becoming one of the most polluted cities in all of Europe. For example, the number of deaths from air pollution in 2022 was 1,280, which was up by 90 compared to the year before. The main factors of air pollution in Slovenia are PM10 and PM2.5 particles in the air from car emissions, industrial emissions, and household fuel. In the winter, the exposure to these particles is worse because of emissions from heating, traffic and cars, and industry emission. Additionally, because of the cold dense air of the winter, the particles stay longer in the air. This makes the air quality worse and harms more populated cities like Ljubljana. As of 2024, we have adopted a new program to monitor air pollution and set stricter limits on uses of products that will worsen our air quality, but we are still in the process of reaching our goals on pollution restrictions.
The UN views climate change and air pollution as two very dangerous crises that often overlap. Because of factors like greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide, the temperatures tend to rise, ultimately heating the climate. Due to high temperatures, the heat can cause air mass to hover over an area for a longer period of time, worsening the air that has already been polluted. Optimistically, since climate change and air pollution are so interlinked, improving one of the issues will improve the other. For example, if we start reducing the use of highly potent chemicals into the atmosphere it can significantly reduce the chances of global warming, and will lessen the chances of bad air quality. Another example is shifting to renewable energy, which will decrease the amount of chemical particles being released into the air.
Slovenia believes that the United Nations should put more focus on the dangers and solutions for climate change and air quality. Thinking of new strategies or enforcing regulations will help improve air quality and decrease health risks, benefiting the healthspan of Slovenians.

Works Cited
Air Pollution and Climate Change: Two Sides of the Same Coin, www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/air-pollution-and-climate-change-two-sides-same-coin. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Beat Pollution, www.unep.org/beatpollution/forms-pollution/air. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“How Are Air Pollution and Climate Change Connected?” Environmental Defense Fund, 17 Mar. 2025, www.edf.org/health/how-are-our-air-and-climate-connected.
Staznanost: Air Pollution in Slovenia among the Worst in EU, znanost.sta.si/3386258/air-pollution-in-slovenia-among-the-worst-in-eu. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Jacob Preston

Committee: United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Israel
School: Mattawan High School

The Delegation of Israel on the Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality

The Delegation of Israel believes that the decreasing quality of air is a worldwide issue and of international importance and concern. The primary cause of decreasing air quality and increasing climate change is industry and factory emissions. As of recently, Israel plans on decreasing emissions by 85% by 2050, by increasing efficiency of renewable energy and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. If the output of harmful emissions decreases, climate change can decrease as well, making it easier to clean air and improve air quality. The issues are how to decrease emissions and who will decrease emissions, since industrial emissions are the primary cause of climate change and decreasing air quality.
In order to improve the global climate and air quality, many nations will have to participate, meaning countries both in and out of low air quality regions need to work towards reducing their contributions to climate change and working with other countries to improve air quality. This may mean developed countries contributing more to the global effort than developing countries to help accelerate the process of reducing emissions. The international goal is to grow renewable energy use and create more efficient uses of energy in all kinds of industries, such as transportation or agriculture. Overall, the committee must first analyze the primary causations of climate change impacts on air quality before deciding what to do to minimize it, how to execute that idea, and the best nations who are willing to participate in working towards that plan.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: India
Delegate Name: Reni Bejko

The Republic of India recognizes that climate change is becoming, if not already is a major driver of worsening air quality, further worsening the problems that India already faces as a developing and densely populated nation of 1.4 billion individuals. Rising temperatures are greatly accelerating the formation of ground-level ozone, ozone that forms as a result of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) combine to form ozone near the ground, which, in more concentrated amounts, is an irritant to the respiratory system and could cause trouble breathing. The rising temperatures also increase the drastic shifting of monsoon patterns in India, which harms the cycle of natural air pollutant cleansing, as well as a higher risk of droughts, wildfires, and dust storms, which release more pollutants into the air. As climate change continues to affect India’s atmospheric conditions, it has become more and more of a pressing issue for India to view the protection of air quality as critical and to support sustainable development and a healthy environment. India strongly believes that global cooperation in implementing sustainable development practices is necessary to limit the effects caused by the worsening air quality due to climate change.
Climate change is worsening India’s air quality crisis, and the Republic of India believes that the committee must address these core questions in order to come up with adequate solutions for this issue. First, how can nations adapt their infrastructure, transportation, and industrial regulations to reduce air pollution while not harming economic development? And what programs/systems can be put in place to help nations, especially developing ones, to help monitor and respond to worsening air quality and global warming-related pollutant disasters? The Committee must observe which financial and technological systems better support developing nations in the transition to sustainable development and lower emissions. India also urges nations to consider health protections that are equitable, so the low-income families or the elderly will not be more vulnerable than other communities in protection from climate change-caused air pollution.
The Republic of India proposes the reduction of emissions from transportation, the largest source of Nitrous Oxide emissions and indirectly ground-level ozone. This can be limited by the expansion of public transport systems, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and therefore total pollutants released, and the promotion of electric vehicles via incentives such as tax benefits. India also proposes controlling industrial emissions by enforcing cleaner production technologies, such as shifting from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to cleaner energy sources such as nuclear, solar, and wind in not just in the industrial sector, but the power sector as well.
India has already attempted to limit the release of air pollutants with the passage of the National Clean Air Programme in 2019, a program aimed to reduce transportation air pollutant emissions by 20-30% through air quality action plans/regulations. The FAME program in India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) encouraged the use of EVs by utilizing incentives and supporting more green urban public transport. Applying these two programs on an international level would significantly lower emissions and therefore climate change on air quality.
The Republic of India recognizes the impact of climate change on air quality and calls for fellow nations to discuss and work together to come up with an agreement that will limit the impacts of climate change and emissions and will lead to a healthier environment. The Republic of India is looking forward to collaborating with its fellow UNEP members to create plausible solutions on this topic.

Sources/Works Cited:
Review of the NCAP
Air Pollution and Monsoons
The FAME Program
World Bank – Clean Air in India
Ground-Level Ozone and its threat to India
TERI – solutions for fixing transport poullutants in India

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Lucia Ruiz

Egypt is directly affected by poor air quality and it is an increasing problem for the health of their citizens. Road transport, industrial power plant emissions, mismanagement of waste, agricultural slash and burn practices, domestic and commercial combustion, and other burning of natural substances all connect to the deteriorating air quality and are contributors to climate change. Climate change has not just affected the air quality it has also affected the water resources, agriculture, length and severity of heatwaves and droughts, rising sea levels,etc. Egypt is ready to take further action to cease the effects of climate change/air quality to create a better future for the country.

Egypt has a very large population to start with and the large densely populated cities are severely affected by air pollution. Around 2 million people per year seek medical treatment for respiratory issues due to poor air quality. Annual temperatures in Egypt are predicted to rise 2-3 degrees celsius by 2050 because of climate change which will only worsen the situation. Transport accounts for about 33% of PM2.5 air pollution. Most people use private transportation causing major congestion on the roads while public transport is not utilized to its full extent because of infrastructure issues. Agricultural slash and burn accounts for 20% of PM2.5 air pollution as an impact of lack of access to technology for farmers to dispose of waste. Industrial power accounts for 17% of PM2.5 air pollution, most of these industries are based on natural resources and have inadequate waste treatment facilities.

Global efforts have been taken in recent years to limit air pollution through the World Bank such as The Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by setting guidelines to reduce air pollution. This focuses on limiting future air pollution. Egypt has also created the 2030 sustainable development strategy. The main objectives of the strategy are preserving the environment, creating a sustainable ecosystem, and reducing PM10 (small particle matter such as liquid or soil particles that contribute to air pollution) concentrations by 50% by 2030. This strategy also includes points on switching to more sustainable energy systems which would contribute to minimizing carbon emissions.

The World Bank has provided support for Egypt through organizations such as The Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project, The Pollution Management and Environmental Health Project (PMEH), and The Sustainable Persistent Organic Pollutants Management Project. The Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project was created in 2020 backed by the Egyptian government. This organization aims to update the air quality management system, support solid waste management and create guidelines for waste management, and provide electric buses for public use and support other parts of the public transport infrastructure. PMEH created in 2015 aimed to do research on the cause of air pollution and the health effects stemming from it. Finally, The Sustainable Persistent Organic Pollutants Management Project created in 2014 aimed to remove and safely dispose of 2,000 tons of obsolete pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Although Egypt has taken these efforts to improve air quality and control their contributions to climate change the conflict is still persistent. In a recent estimate the annual cost of air pollution on health in just Cairo is about 1.4% of Egypt’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). We are committed to finding long term solutions to our poor air quality problem. The delegation of Egypt is open to collaborating with other delegations to discuss plans for the future of climate change/air quality. We understand the impact of climate change on the environment, health of our citizens and impact on our economy which is why we hope to create a strong plan for the future.

Work Cited

“Cairo and Air Pollution – Clean Air Fund.” Clean Air Fund, 22 Nov. 2023, www.cleanairfund.org/clean-air-africas-cities/cairo.
World Bank Group. “Supporting Pollution Reduction Efforts to Protect the Health of Egyptians and Spur Economic Recovery.” World Bank, 22 Apr. 2021, www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/04/22/supporting-pollution-reduction-efforts-to-protect-the-health-of-egyptians.
IQAir. “Egypt Air Quality Index (AQI) and Air Pollution Information | IQAir.” IQAir, www.iqair.com/us/egypt.
“Policies and Action.” Climate Action Tracker, climateactiontracker.org/countries/egypt/policies-action.
Daito, Nobuhiko, et al. “Reducing Air Pollution in Greater Cairo Involves Switching From Private Vehicles to Improved Public Transport.” World Bank Blogs, 16 Mar. 2024, blogs.worldbank.org/en/arabvoices/reducing-air-pollution-greater-cairo-involves-switching-private-vehicles-improved-public.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Avery Water

The Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality should be seen throughout the world as an escalating concern and should be a top priority in reducing its current impact on the earth and environment. As climate change worsens, it has a greater impact on the world’s air quality. Changes like these can lead to increasing ground-level ozone, which can cause harmful air pollutants and smoggy days. It can also lead to enhanced pollen production, which can cause the worsening of allergies, respiratory issues, and the general degradation of the public’s health. Besides these two examples, there are many other issues it could cause, like the worsening of particulate matter levels, indoor air quality issues, and feedback loops.
The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes these issues and is willing to work with other nations to come up with a solution to reduce the current effect climate change has on the world’s air quality. The delegation of Iran strongly urges others to not only see the need to rid the world of these conflicts but to increase international cooperation and control high-pollution sources. Iran, being a very high exporter of oil, recognizes the impacts of its own actions and will work with international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and will continue to support national organizations like the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to assist in the fight against climate change. If the committee of UNEP fails to recognize the severity of the situation at hand, said solution may get catastrophic if not handled in due time, leading to increased or worsened effects of the ones listed above and all other environmental pressures that come with climate change’s effect on air quality.
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s ultimate goal is to work with the delegation in order to remove or reduce the effects climate change has had on air quality in past years. Iran will continue to fund the IRCS and work with FAO to achieve this goal.

https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/

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Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Lauren Barteld

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan recognizes the close link between climate change and air quality, understanding that it holds significant impacts on individuals, human health risks, implications on ecosystems, and difficulties for sustainable development. Poor air quality worsens the consequences of these impacts, as well as threatening economic health. Pakistan aims to address these implications that result from poor air quality due to climate change. Protecting public health and promoting environmental sustainability are the largest priorities for Pakistan surrounding this topic.
As a developing country in an era of rapid urbanization, Pakistan also experiences great climate-related stress and therefore faces major air quality problems. Cities experience hazardous levels of pollution, which continue to be worsened by rising temperatures and extended droughts. Pakistan emphasizes the need to approach this situation and take measures to mitigate climate change, therefore reducing air quality issues/pollution. Top priorities involve developing low-carbon emission energy systems, encouraging cleaner means of transportation, restoring and then further protecting ecosystems, and planning infrastructure for a transition to a majority renewable energy. Promoting technological equality is also an important factor so that numerous developing countries can access these air quality pollution control methods.
Pakistan encourages UNEP and involved nations to focus on how air quality monitoring can be improved globally, with a specific focus on developing countries that lack resources. What policies and programs can be created and implemented to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions from major sources in order to reduce as much damage to air quality as possible? How can we cooperate internationally to not only address fixing the problem, but also inform the public and promote community action on this climate-related air pollution?
To take action on these challenges, Pakistan proposes the collaborative development of integrated climate change and air quality programs that connect the issues to address mitigating climate change to effectively reduce air pollution. An acceleration of renewable energy technologies would also feed into these programs, attempting to reduce public reliance on fossil fuels and instead encourage sustainable transportation options for an increasingly urbanized society.
Pakistan’s current position aligns with its various national and international frameworks, including the Pakistan National Clean Air Policy (NCAP), 2021 National Climate Change Policy, and involvement in the Paris Agreement. These precedents all reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to mitigating climate change and enforcing sustainable development. Additionally, their goals are all strongly opposed to the habits of major CO2 emitting countries, such as China, the US, and India. Accountability is another priority of Pakistan as those high-emitting nations have long been contributing to environmental disasters in Pakistan itself as well as surrounding countries. Along with taking responsibility, Pakistan urges those key players in carbon emissions to have full public disclosure on emissions and impact, specifically through sharing climate reports with their citizens and informing the people of their impact on the global environment.
Pakistan recognizes the serious risks in air quality that climate change feeds into. By promoting integrated strategies to address climate change, as well as technological equity, Pakistan believes that fellow UN nations can work together to lessen the impacts of climate change and air pollution for the greater good of the public. Pakistan is prepared to collaborate with other UNEP involved nations to strategize policies and programs in order to create solutions for this issue.

Works Cited:
UN Environment Programme – Air Quality Policies in Pakistan, 2016 (www.unep.org)
Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination – National Clean Air Policy (NCAP), 2023 (mocc.gov.pk)
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency – Pakistan Clean Air Programme (PCAP), 2001
United Nations – Paris Agreement, 2015 (un.org)

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Avi Messamore

Committee: United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Greece
School: Mattawan High School

As the climate changes and air quality worsens, the environment and the well-being of humanity suffers. If steps are not taken to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, the entirety of Earth will be lucky to survive past 2100. Greece is concerned with the negative health effects caused by the rise in temperatures and the number of wildfires occurring, which feed back into the poor air quality. Since Greece is already dealing with water scarcity, the concern of maintaining crops through irrigation rises as crops are forced to change due to the temperature changes, making growth unsuitable for certain crops.
From 1990 to 2021, Greece produced 0.21% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. (Being globally the 44th largest contributor). Greece’s greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by 20% from 1990 to 2019. Even so, Greece’s energy sector is producing the highest rate of greenhouse gas emissions within the country and must be dealt with. The other major emission producers are the livestock and construction sectors. The energy sector amounts to 72.9% of Greece’s GHG (of that, the electricity/heating industry makes up 33.3% of that), and agriculture amounts to about 10% of GHG. 44% of Greece’s land consists of agriculture, and with the rising heat and poor water irrigation, many crops will be killed off, namely olive trees and vineyards. The rising temperatures lead to an increase in heatwaves and wildfires. The number of heatwaves per year is predicted to increase to 9 by 2050. In 2013, Greece was hit by an economic crisis, forcing citizens to use the cheaper, but economically costly, wood burning to heat homes. This caused intense smoke over several cities. Greece fears another economic dip will create the same results. Greece also receives dust and sand carried over from the Sahara Desert. Alongside this, the city temperatures are 8-10 degrees higher than the surrounding rural areas, leading to increased health risks. As air quality decreases and temperatures rise, within cities, there will be an increase in energy consumption to cool buildings and an increase in cardiovascular disease. Greece and the EU have planned to drop greenhouse gas emissions to 55% by 2030 and to net zero by 2050. But steps must be taken in order to achieve that future.
Greece urges delegates to be considerate of the fragility of economies when implementing any solutions. The delegation of Greece believes there are a few sound ways to deal with the decrease in air quality. Constructing urban parks and green roofs can help drop temperatures in urban areas by 2-3 degrees Celsius. Further nature restoration (afforestation and reforestation) can help remove CO2 from the air. Alongside this, creating campaigns to inform farmers on alternative farming methods (crop diversification, crop rotation, managing irrigation, etc.) as the climate changes can help ensure their crops’ survival. Countries should also pave the way for their citizens to move away from vehicular travel and air travel. Alongside those, we should promote traveling by train and moving towards pedestrianizing roads. There is also potential in investing in green energy sources, so industries and cities can move away from wood burning.

References:
https://www.dianeosis.org/en/2021/12/the-consequences-of-climate-change-in-greece/
https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/european-energy-crisis-fuels-poor-air-quality-poland-greece
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/environment-at-a-glance-country-notes_59ce6fe6-en/greece_444d90df-en.html#:~:text=Emissions%20of%20most%20major%20air,pollution%2C%20especially%20in%20southern%20Greece.
https://www.emission-index.com/countries/greece#:~:text=The%20sector%20that%20produced%20the%20most%20emissions,and%2010.5%25%20of%20total%20GHG%20in%20Greece.
https://www.es-partnership.org/community/regional-chapters/south-east-europe/greece-hesp/environmental-pollution-in-greece/#:~:text=Transport%2C%20electricity%20power%20stations%2C%20overexploitation%20of%20water,pressures%20on%20the%20state%20of%20the%20environment.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Lia Rohrschneider

Climate Change is becoming a bigger problem for the world. It leads to changes
in global temperatures and incites erratic weather. Climate Change itself is mainly caused by
human activity, with the burning of fossil fuels and other activities that lead to greenhouse gases
being released into the atmosphere. The United Nations has taken great measures in the past
towards climate change. For example, they made the 2015 Paris Agreement, which details that
every country should set its own climate goals. Another great example is the Climate Summit
in 2025, where many countries, including our biggest emitter, China, announced reductions of
economy-wide emissions.
As a country, the Central African Republic suffers greatly from the impacts of climate
change. We are a landlocked country that is often described as having intense heat, which
means that our temperatures are on the rise. By 2060, the mean temperatures will have
increased by 2.32 °C. The Central African Republic has been suffering from more droughts and
desertification, which are all caused by climate change. The Central African Republic is an
underdeveloped country, where if we suffer from climate change, there will be less food and
water available to the people. The Central African Republic has already taken measures against
climate change. For example, we have created the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). This
discusses our vulnerability to climate change and how we possibly plan to deal with it.
The Central African Republic would like to urge the other countries to act against climate
change. It is a problem among us all, and as the delegation of the Central African Republic, we would like to implement a
proposition: we would like to have all countries agree on the fact that we need to take more
drastic measures on climate change. Our proposition would include ways to make the world a
bit more eco-friendly and to stop climate change. For example, we could implement a strategy
that enforces people to get their energy from different sources, to limit the burning of fossil fuels.
We could also implement a worldwide plantation of trees. Those few examples will limit the
amount of human activity and will also limit the amount of greenhouse gases that are released
into the atmosphere.
Works Cited:
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-summit-2025
https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/country-profiles/15875-WB_Cent
ral%20Africa%20Republic%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/sipri-nupi_fact_sheet_car_oct_2024_0.pdf

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Nav Murali

United Nations Environment Programme
Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Navaneet Murali
Forest Hills Eastern High School

Climate change is a big concern for air quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change can contribute to worsening air quality. In drier countries, a hotter climate can dry out soil, and it can increase desertification. At the same time, air pollution can drive climate change, creating a cycle back and forth that affects health, agriculture, and the environment. Climate change can also increase allergens, which means more pollen, higher allergen levels, and longer allergy seasons.

The Republic of Iraq recognizes that climate change is severely worsening air quality. The government of Iraq created a new environmental strategy that calls out industrial pollution, transport emissions, and the lack of air quality in Iraq. The Republic of Iraq is known as a very polluted country, and we are working very hard on fixing it. Iraq would benefit largely from larger countries to build stronger air monitoring systems. Some systems include a network of accurate air-quality measures, satellite data integration, and public dashboards showing pollution levels. Iraq also needs support for better enforcement and more technology in air quality. The countries that can support Iraq to create a safer environment would be countries that have advanced environmental technology. These types of countries can help Iraq to provide cleaner energy solutions such as windmills, solar panels, and more. These countries can also help support Iraq with air quality systems like sensors and satellites.

Altogether, the Republic of Iraq would require a great deal of assistance to protect its environment from even worse potential consequences for pollution and air quality. With the support of larger countries, Iraq can become a more stable country and could be an important country in the Middle East.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Ruby Walker

Brazil faces extreme climate risks, specifically in regards to poor air quality. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people die in Brazil annually due to air pollution. The poor air quality is mostly attributed to extreme seasonal fires in the Amazon, as well as poor farming practices and lack of access to clean cooking materials. However, efforts are being made to amend this. Brazil approaches the climate tradeoffs between adaptation and mitigation through its National Climate Change Plan, with the goal of reducing emissions and adjusting to severe climate impacts. Brazil’s government is also offering monetary incentives to encourage the protection of their forests and natural resources through initiatives such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), with the goal of reducing the wildfires that contribute to air pollution. Brazil also recently approved the National Air Quality Management System (MonitoAr) in 2024, with the goal of monitoring air pollution and enabling immediate response to air quality issues.

The committee could address air quality issues caused by farming practices or the lack of access to clean cooking materials by promoting sustainable agriculture in these countries, as well as facilitating access to clean cooking technologies such as electricity, LPG, and biogas for countries that need them. By doing this, the committee can shift the focus away from harmful biomass fuels used when cooking, and decrease the damage caused by poor farming practices such as the use of fertilizers that can hurt the environment. Some alternative solutions for farming practices that won’t contribute to detrimental air quality include conservation tillage, which reduces the amount of particulate matter released into the air, and the usage of compost to replace harmful synthetic fertilizers. By promoting these farming methods in Brazil, the committee would have the ability to reduce poor air quality and facilitate a more sustainable culture.

In the country of Brazil, those living in the Amazon and Pantanal regions are those most harmed by deteriorating air quality due to climate change. This is because these areas experience a large amount of wildfires caused by droughts and higher temperatures, problems that are intensified by climate change. International actors can help fix these problems by encouraging Brazil to adhere to global air quality standards, such as the WHO Global Air Quality Guideline, in order to reduce Brazil’s air pollution output. International actors can also fund relief programs for those in need located in these vulnerable areas, and support the planting of new trees in areas that have been devastated by wildfires in order to promote cleaner air and a reduction of air pollution nationally. Planting new trees can also reduce the risk of wildfires in these areas, which are the main contributing factors to the detrimental air quality found in these regions.

We all share the same Earth, and it is important to remember that it is all of our responsibility to protect and preserve its beauty and resources. Brazil is not considered a wealthy country, but it is still taking efforts to reduce its emissions and attempt to amend their previous errors when it comes to taking sustainable practices into account when doing things like mining resources or farming. If wealthy nations have the resources to support the environment and make strides for a greener future, they must share that responsibility and take those opportunities to make the Earth a more sustainable place. We only have one Earth, and it is our job, not just individually but on an international scale, to protect our planet and pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for every global citizen.

Works cited:
UNEP. “Regulating Air Quality: The First Global Assessment of Air Pollution Legislation.” UNEP – UN Environment Programme, 31 Aug. 2021, www.unep.org/resources/report/regulating-air-quality-first-global-assessment-air-pollution-legislation.

UNEP. “Emissions Gap Report 2024.” UNEP – UN Environment Programme, 24 Oct. 2024, www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2024.
“Climate & Clean Air Coalition.” Climate & Clean Air Coalition, 2020, www.ccacoalition.org/.
Buralli, Rafael Junqueira, and Patrick Connerton. “Air Pollution, Health and Regulations in Brazil: Are We Progressing?” Cadernos de Saúde Pública, vol. 41, no. 3, 2025, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11996184/, https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311xen172924.

Rafael, Fernando, and Silva Júnior. “2030 Agenda: Discussion on Brazilian Priorities Facing Air Pollution and Climate Change Challenges.” 2030 Agenda: Discussion on Brazilian Priorities Facing Air Pollution and Climate Change Challenges, vol. 30, no. 3, 9 Dec. 2022, pp. 8376–8390, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9734578/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24601-5.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Breck Suvedi

Economic and Social Council
Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Peru
Breck Suvedi
Forest Hills Northern High School

Peru acknowledges that climate change aggravates air quality worldwide, which is particularly dangerous for populations with precarious living conditions. The country faces a multitude of climate-related issues due to the presence of coastal cities, mountainous regions, and the Amazon rainforest within its borders. Higher temperatures, increased droughts, and more frequent forest fires all produce dirty air that is hazardous to public health. Traditional practices, such as the burning of crop stubble and the use of wood or charcoal for cooking, also emit significant smoke in rural areas. Poor air quality is considered particularly threatening in many areas due to a lack of access to modern monitoring systems and medical care.

Peru is of the view that the optimal response is the balance between adaptation and mitigation in the face of climate change. Since Peru is a developing country that faces serious climate risks, it has to adopt measures that protect people immediately. These include preventing wildfires, creating early-warning systems, improving access to clean cooking materials, and supporting reforestation. At the same time, Peru tries to take care of longer-term solutions such as cleaner energy, lower industrial emissions, and reduction in polluting agricultural practices. This is necessary to protect public health and support sustainable development.

Peru also understands that this issue requires strong international cooperation. The groups most at risk-Indigenous communities, rural families, children, and the elderly-need additional support to stay safe as air quality worsens. Peru believes that wealthier nations, whose past emissions have contributed heavily to climate change, should take on greater responsibility in helping developing countries. Financial assistance, technology transfer, and training would help Peru and similar nations expand clean energy, strengthen air-quality monitoring, and create healthier, more resilient communities.

Peru is committed to working with other UNEP members to find fair, realistic, and community-focused solutions that improve air quality and protect people everywhere. Through shared responsibility and global cooperation, it is Peru’s belief that cleaner air and a safer future are possible for all.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Yasin Avdic

Climate change is something that is being addressed all over the globe due to necessity. It is very prevalent as well, with nations needing to cut 42% of their emissions by 2030 to stay on track for a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures. If we don’t reach that goal, there could be an increase of 2.6-3.1°C globally, which would cause devastating impacts to the environment. One of those impacts would be air quality, which would significantly worsen. Populous cities and large manufacturing spaces would be most affected by the issue of air quality due to climate change. Because of their quickly-produced greenhouse gases, when air heats up and becomes stagnant, that pollution can build up quickly. This can lead to things like having to stay at home, not being able to do certain jobs, increase death rates in the city, and even cause movements of people away from these polluted areas, which many countries will learn how to handle, as well as tanking the economy. Other nations can help these affected areas by just simply working to stop climate change all together, although certain air-pollution-focused strategies would be more effective in this instance. For example, joining and being an active member in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), which will implement known efforts that will bring methane emissions down by 40% when comparing 2010 to 2030, and starting a carbon neutrality initiative, which can get a nation’s total footprint to be stagnant, can all work towards preventing these air quality and climate issues. Farming also plays a role in the issue of air quality. When burning something on a farm (prescribed burning), it creates particulates in the air (small particles of liquids or solids) which can penetrate lungs and be inhaled millions at a time when living in poor air quality areas, which millions of people live under. Then engines, animal feeding operations, grain terminal elevators, and solid waste incineration all contribute to that air pollution and over all heating of our planet. Russia recognizes climate change’s impact and has implemented many of its own plans to lessen its effects, however, Russia has also seen and somewhat leans towards the adaptation solutions of the climate change and air quality issue, seeing as fossil fuels and rare mineral production is a large part of Russia’s economy.

Russia has a pretty set stance on climate change, with certain plans implemented, like a carbon neutrality initiative and a national voluntary carbon market, but also a large hope towards adaptation instead of mitigation, as almost all of Russia’s economy is based on things that cause emissions. The Russian Central Bank warned that without more adaptation actions, one-third of companies in important sectors could face financial decline between 2030 and 2040 within Russia. So it’s very clear that there is more that Russia needs to get done, but in the adaptation mindset, not mitigation, when it comes to climate change. Russia is also being impacted by air pollution a ton, with cities like Krasnoyarsk in Siberia having to get residents to close their windows and doors some days so as to not breath in the smog around the city. With Russia having such a hold on most of the economy, it seems like opening up a green economy could ruin Russia, where rare earth minerals, oil, and gas are all major Russian exports. The Russian economy also relies heavily on farming, which as talked about releases many gases and particulates, but nonetheless some sort of adaptation or solution must be made as the economy of Russia relies heavily upon it, with exported wheat generating revenues of 6.4 billion in 2019. This makes it pretty clear that Russia will find an alternative approach to tackling the pollution and climate problem in order to ensure that it will still have a stable economy afterward.

Russia believes that countries with less funds towards adaptation should be upheld by wealthier countries, all to work towards the goal of slowly lessening the impact of climate change whilst adapting its effects. Having a plan like a carbon-neutrality initiative, which if Russia succeeds in will make it the first to reach its neutrality goal, is very effective when it comes to slowing down climate change and stopping air pollution, it can be used with smaller countries via. the funding by larger ones. But, on the other hand, in order to retain its foothold in the economy and preserve itself as a superpower, there still needs to be some sort of preserving of carbon economy and adaptation will have to be necessary for those things, especially when it comes to producing food, which is a necessity but releases a decent amount of pollution into the atmosphere. This would tackle the issue of other countries needing to work on their climate efforts with wealthier countries funding them (because that would benefit the whole planet), while still maintaining some sort of carbon economy so Russia and other countries who rely on those exports still find use in them. After all, things like farms and certain machinery still need gas and oil.

Works Cited:

https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/russias-strategic-approach-climate-change

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/26/black-sky-gray-snow-decades-of-air-pollution-leave-siberias-krasnoyarsk-struggling-to-breathe-a84081

An Overview of Agricultural Development of Russia

https://www.ccacoalition.org/

https://www.epa.gov/agriculture/agriculture-and-air-quality#agburning

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Rosa Lascola

Delegation: Türkiye

Committee: United Nations Environment Programme

Air quality is an issue for all nations, but especially the ones with large cities or factories. These highly populated areas create much more emissions and air pollutants than lower populated areas do. These air pollutants greatly affect climate change. Climate change is when temperatures and weather patterns change over an extended period of time (background guide). This is also the reason the air quality is getting worse. There are natural reasons as to why we have worse air quality than before, like volcanoes and solar activity (background guide). These natural reasons cannot be blamed for all climate change. Greenhouse gases from air pollutants get into the air and create the greenhouse effect, by trapping in the sun’s heat (Writershttps). There are also more wildfires as a result of climate change. The smoke from these wildfires, then create more air pollutants. This cycle and many other factors that go into climate change will not be fixed on their own, countries need to ban together to produce a solution.

Currently, Türkiye partakes in many air polluting events, such as burning, coal and producing emissions through factories. They have agreed to the Paris Agreement on climate change (Towards). This agreement is determined to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century (Unfccc). To achieve this plan, countries submit their national climate action plans, so the committee knows that everyone is on track for their goal (Unfccc). Türkiye also pleaded to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2053 (Towards). Like most other Mediterranean countries, Türkiye has experienced a lot of climate change related events in recent years. Droughts, fires, flooding, heat waves, wind storms, and land sides have all impacted Türkiye in recent years (Towards). These events have pushed Türkiye to their net zero carbon emissions as their people are greatly affected by all the climate change-related events. The world bank and other organizations have raised $3.2 billion to help Türkiye move towards this net zero goal (Towards).

A part of Türkiye’s plan that could be implemented in other countries is to simply switch to more renewable energy sources (Policies). Solar and wind energy are crucial to reducing air pollutants by reducing emissions. Moving public transportation from gas- or diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles would also improve our current situation. Türkiye is moving towards all these options and urges other countries to do the same. Other ways that we could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are already in the air, is to plant more greenery (Cleaning). Trees and other plants would help to clean the air. If we implement this greenery into more urban areas, it will help greatly as these areas do not currently have much greenery. Trees For the Future is an organization that would help to plant trees and other greenery across the world, but especially in urban areas (Homepage). By implementing more renewable energy sources and greenery, we are beginning to clean our air now and trying to limit emissions for the future.

Cleaning up the Air | Climate & Clean Air Coalition, www.ccacoalition.org/news/cleaning-air. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025. 

“Homepage.” Trees for the Future, 18 Nov. 2025, trees.org/. 

“Policies & Action.” Policies & Action | Climate Action Tracker, climateactiontracker.org/countries/turkey/policies-action/#:~:text=Power%20sector&text=Reliance%20on%20fossil%20fuel%20imports%20has%20driven%20efforts%20to%20diversify,fossil%20fuel%20phase%20out%20plan. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025. 

“Towards a Greener and More Resilient Türkiye.” World Bank, World Bank Group, 1 Apr. 2024, www.worldbank.org/en/country/turkey/brief/towards-a-greener-and-more-resilient-turkiye#:~:text=T%C3%BCrkiye%20has%20ratified%20the%20Paris%20Agreement%20on,is%20a%20good%20business%20strategy%20for%20T%C3%BCrkiye. 

Unfccc.Int, unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement#:~:text=The%20Paris%20Agreement’s%20goals%20include:%20*%20Limiting,emissions%20and%20build%20resilience%20to%20climate%20change. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025. 

Writershttps://www.iqair.com/newsroom, IQAir Staff. “Does Air Pollution Cause Climate Change?” IQAir, www.iqair.com/newsroom/does-air-pollution-cause-climate-change. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025. 

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Xinyu Wang

Poland recognises that climate change and air pollution are interconnected threats that affect health, ecosystems, and economic stability. Rising temperatures, heatwaves, and changing weather patterns worsen pollution levels and increase risks from smog and particulate matter. As one of the European countries historically reliant on coal, Poland understands the urgent need to reduce emissions and transition toward cleaner energy.
Through the “Clean Air Programme,” Poland has taken steps to replace coal-based home heating systems and improve energy efficiency. The government has adopted EU air-quality standards and aims to reduce fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon emissions. However, Poland acknowledges that more action and international cooperation are needed to address climate-driven air-quality challenges.
Poland encourages integrated climate and air-quality strategies, combining emission reductions with public health protection. Poland proposes an international support mechanism to fund clean-heating transitions, renewable energy adoption, and real-time air-quality monitoring. It also supports expanding urban greenery and improving air-pollution forecasting to protect vulnerable populations.
By linking air-quality improvement with climate mitigation, Poland believes it can help nations achieve cleaner air and a safer climate. Poland has a commitment over sustainable development to protect the planet for future generations.
Sources:
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/poland/#environment
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/maps-and-charts/poland-air-pollution-country-2023-country-fact-sheets

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Margaret Leahy

Country: Argentina
Delegate: Meg Leahy
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Impact of Climate Change On Air Quality

Air quality has had a huge impact on climate change, globally. For example, in 2024, about 39 percent of the population lived in areas where they were exposed to unhealthy air pollution levels. Also, the World Meteorological Organization called attention to wildfires that are driven by climate change and are big contributors to global air pollution. These fires have been even impacting places like the Amazon, Canada, Siberia, and Central Africa. Additionally, the United States Environmental Protection Agency said that the ten warmest years have occurred in the past decade. Temperatures are expected to continue rising too with hot and sunny days increasing the amount of ozone at ground level. This urges the need to tackle climate change as a safety issue to public health and wellbeing.
Argentina acknowledges that climate change is making air quality worse. To combat this, Argentina has joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in 2018 to limit carbon emissions, especially from vehicles. Moreover, the World Bank claims that air pollution is becoming a problem, especially in city areas. Some initiatives for Argentina include switching from gasoline vehicles to electric cars, better air quality monitoring, and emission targets for the future. Furthermore, Argentina created a National Cabinet of Climate Change for sectors of forestry, energy, and transportation to inform the Nationally Determined Contribution to be submitted to the Paris Agreement. This NDC is ensured to be reliable and is a widely supported national strategy.
Lastly, Argentina would like to continue making these measures to support air quality affecting climate change globally. Argentina also understands the importance of making air quality a priority in poorer areas within a country. Equal access to clean air should be put first for many countries so clean air no longer has to be a choice. Argentina would like to continue efforts to have better air quality monitoring as well as early signaling to areas exposed to unhealthy air. Efforts for replacing gas cars to EV will also persist, by creating tax incentives to switch into an eco-friendly vehicle. These tax incentives will consist of tariff elimination from certain electric cars to lower costs. Argentina will also implement policies to encourage domestic production and increased charging stations within the country.

Works Cited
EPA. “Air Quality | US EPA.” EPA, https://www.epa.gov/air-quality. Accessed 19 November 2025.
WMO. “Particulate matter from wildfires causes globally over 100,000 annual deaths – impacts of fire smoke and desert dust are unevenly distributed between continents.” World Meteorological Organization WMO, 29 October 2025, https://wmo.int/media/news-from-members/particulate-matter-from-wildfires-causes-globally-over-100000-annual-deaths-impacts-of-fire-smoke. Accessed 19 November 2025.
The World Bank. “Climate Explainer: Climate Change and Air Pollution.” World Bank, 1 September 2022, https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/09/01/what-you-need-to-know-about-climate-change-and-air-pollution. Accessed 19 November 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: France
Delegate Name: Gloria Turner

Country: France
Delegate: Gloria Turner
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality

Air is something we all breathe, and it is one of the core necessities humans need to survive. Over the past 100 years, the air quality has decreased significantly globally. As the climate has been rapidly changing, so has air quality. All the pollutants that contribute to climate change also negatively impact air quality. Climate change is also at a critical point where inaction can result in irreversible damage to the planet. Factors of climate change, such as higher temperatures, wildfires, droughts, altered precipitation rates, and extreme weather cases, contribute to the decline in air quality. These effects have ramifying implications for what that means for France as a country, as well as globally.

France has a moderately good air quality rate, but with room for improvement. On a global scale, France understands areas such as India, West Africa, and the Middle East that heavily struggle with air quality, and France wishes to support them. France’s top three pollutants include: heating, industry, and, most damaging of all, transport. Over the past decade or two, France has honed in on environmental reform to improve climate change and air quality. Since 2012, France has been a part of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), which acts both domestically and globally. This demonstrates a long-lasting commitment to reducing the effects of climate change and improving air quality. France has launched numerous CCAC procedures, such as the CCAC’s Efficient Cooling Initiative, working together with other countries to tackle the coolant sector of pollutants (hydrofluorocarbons/HFCs from predominantly air conditioners). Along with that, France produced the Biarritz Pledge landmark agreement in 2019, which aimed to reduce the aforementioned HFCs. In 2019, France passed the Law on Energy and Climate, as well as updating their National Low Carbon Strategy as recently as 2020. In 2020, France passed the “France Release” which targeted the economic ramifications of COVID-19, along with a focus on decarbonizing industries, and advocating for green technology, such as hydrogen, recycling measures, and biofuel. Paris, specifically, is a part of the CCAC’s BreatheLife Campaign, which centers on combating climate change and the health effects of pollution, which contributes to 7 million premature deaths.

The mayor of Paris plans to reform the city by reducing the number of cars in the capital by half, banning diesel vehicles, and making the city more walkable. To help achieve this, France as a whole also charges companies and individuals who own vehicles a fee to promote more environmentally-friendly transport. Along with the fee, there is an incentive for purchasing zero-emission vehicles to replace ones that harm the environment. Not only that, but France has launched low-emission zones in areas that commonly exceed pollution limits. As a global leader, France has taken up their responsibility and has also donated an immense amount to the Green Climate Fund that helps underdeveloped countries reduce climate change, as well as reducing domestic emissions too. Currently, France’s laws perfectly coincide with the European Union air quality legislation and follow the EU’s regulatory procedures for pollution emissions as well. France has constantly reformed, updated, and implemented new procedures and plans to reduce their emissions and is legally bound to be carbon neutral by 2050 with their signing of the Paris Agreement. France would be interested in working with: US, UK, Germany, NATO, EU, and G7.

Sources:
https://www.ccacoalition.org/partners/france
https://www.iqair.com/us/france
https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2024
https://www.unep.org/resources/report/regulating-air-quality-first-global-assessment-air-pollution-legislation

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Isabel Santini

Country: Italy
Delegate: Isabel Santini
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality

The Italian Republic recognizes the severity of the impact climate change has on air quality. These problems, primarily caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and crops, affect public health and environmental stability in a deeply negative way. Along with industrial activity, shifting weather patterns have caused devastating effects because of wildfires and heatwaves that are exacerbated by climate change. This worsening issue has caused the drastic increase in airborne pollutants which are responsible for strokes and various respiratory diseases, which partially account for the approximately eight million deaths each year from bad air quality. It should be in every nation’s best interest, especially in a time of great industrialization, to find a solution to the worsening air quality for the health of their peoples and their land.

Italy has great interest in supporting initiatives to reduce the effects of climate change as it directly experiences results of the issue. In July 2023, Italy received a heatwave nicknamed “Cerberus” that was so intense the Italian health minister issued an alert that warned of death in 27 cities due to the heat. This not only greatly affected the population because of heat-related fatalities, it also caused a significant drop in their economy which is based on tourism and agriculture. Because of frequent disasters like these, Italy has been at the forefront of supporting organizations like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). In 2006, under the Sustainable Mobility Fund, Italy co-financed 187 projects actively promoting initiatives to reduce black carbon emissions as well as the use of ecological vehicles for the distribution of goods.

Italy would help solve the worsening problem of air quality by promoting sustainable ways and regulations. Italy supports the strengthening of air quality regulations like adopting stricter industrial and agricultural regulations such as enforcing emission limits on factories.
Italy also greatly promotes the use of renewable energy in solar, wind and hydroelectric power without relying on fossil fuels which cause greater air pollution. Italy calls on like-minded nations that face similar issues from climate change to help strengthen policies and practices to protect public health and the environment. Italy expects to find allies with similar strong climate policies such as France and Spain.

Works Cited
Climate & Clean Air Coalition. “Italy | Climate & Clean Air Coalition.” Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), https://www.ccacoalition.org/partners/italy. Accessed 23 November 2025.
European Parliament. “Climate action in Italy.” https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/690663/EPRS_BRI(2021)690663_EN.pdf.
OECD. “Environment at a Glance: Italy.” 30 June 2025, https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/environment-at-a-glance-country-notes_59ce6fe6-en/italy_e244dc58-en.html.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Lydia Harlan

Country: South Africa
Delegate: Lydia Harlan
School: Williamston
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Impact of climate change on air quality
As global warming intensifies, its effects on air quality have become much more prevalent. Air quality has worsened in various ways worldwide, with the presence of multiple pollutants falling into categories such as greenhouse gases, particle matter, and aerosols. It is also affected by heat waves, droughts, and other extreme weather phenomena. These effects on the air quality of the world, though, have led to death, especially among people with respiratory issues, young children, or infants, and the elderly. Particle matter is especially prevalent in cities worldwide, but PM 2.5 is prevalent everywhere globally, even above oceans, far away from any major sources of PM 2.5. It is produced by cars, factories, power plants, burning wood, cooking, and can also be produced naturally; however, PM 10 is more often produced naturally. These particles are harmful, causing risks such as premature mortality, and are linked to the largest amount of various negative health effects from air quality worldwide. Overall, this is a problem that clearly needs to be addressed.
So far, South Africa has air quality standards requiring all regulated industries to meet requirements aimed at keeping people healthy. South Africa is also collaborating with the Clean Air Fund (CAF); for example, the South African Medical Research Council is collecting local evidence to understand the impact of bad air quality on health. They also signed a Collaboration Agreement with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to improve air quality management. South Africa’s PM 2.5 concentration has decreased significantly since 2019, indicating that the country’s efforts have been largely successful. South Africa has also begun to implement procedures suggested by the Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa.
In the future, South Africa aims to continue implementing plans outlined in the Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa. South Africa would also like to pass specific, legally binding legislation to ensure an improved general environment and air quality for both now and the future. To ensure better air quality, the contents of the planned bill would aim to set a specific limit and enforce it through routine inspections. It would offer repercussions, such as fining those over the limit, or, depending on the severity of the offense, shutting down the offender for producing air waste above the set limit. This could be better tracked by installing more air quality monitoring stations across the country, evenly. South Africa would also like to promote green energy, such as solar and wind, especially given its sunny and windy coastal location. Although South Africa believes this is not a one-country effort, as air travels, so does the particle matter, making every country affected by one another’s actions, especially the members of BRICS.

https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/air-quality/air-quality-and-climate-change
https://www.cleanairfund.org/geography/south-africa/
https://www.ccacoalition.org/content/integrated-assessment-air-pollution-and-climate-change-sustainable-development-africa
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Sophia Schafer

Country: Indonesia
Delegate: Sophia Schafer
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality

The Republic of Indonesia recognizes that climate change and unsustainable resource consumption have become major contributors to deteriorating air quality worldwide. As an island nation, we are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather, forest fires, and other such terrible effects of climate change. Indonesia understands the immediate threat posed by increased air pollution to public health, ecosystems, and economic stability. Climate change has increased haze events across Southeast Asia, caused by rising temperatures, agricultural burning, and forest loss. Rapid industrialization and population growth also place significant pressure on natural resources and contribute to ozone and greenhouse gas emissions. Indonesia believes that improving air quality must be addressed simultaneously among nations, along with reducing unsustainable consumption patterns and mitigating climate impacts.
In the past, Indonesia has adopted many strategies to slow down the impact of climate change on Air Quality, such as implementing the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which targets reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and forest loss. Indonesia has also expanded the use of renewable energy, including geothermal, hydro, and solar power, and has been working to transition to cleaner fuel standards. Indonesia also has enforcement measures to reduce illegal burning, improve peatland management, and protect vital rainforests. Finally, we have established national air-quality monitoring systems and public health initiatives to address pollution-related illness. Indonesia recognizes the gravity of the situation and is taking major steps to address air pollution and climate change. We are a very vulnerable nation to climate change, and we are willing to work with any country that will help us reduce its impact on air quality.
Indonesia proposes many resolutions to this terrible situation, such as a global air quality monitoring and transparency network that would enable countries, especially developing nations, to access real-time data, modeling tools, and forecasting capabilities, and proposes strengthening international support for forest conservation within our country and peatland restoration. This includes funding mechanisms, satellite monitoring, and community-based sustainability programs within our countries. Indonesia also believes in creating a sustainable resource-consumption framework that will encourage our circular-economy policies, reduce waste, and promote responsible extraction practices. Indonesia would also like to advance international cooperation on renewable energy between countries, including through technology-sharing agreements and accessible financing for clean energy developing and developed countries. Finally, Indonesia proposes a health-focused climate policy that recognizes poor air quality as a public health emergency, and it will support research on respiratory disease, pollution exposure, and climate-related health risks that currently plague Indonesia. We firmly believe that protecting air quality is inseparable from addressing climate change and resource consumption. Through global solidarity, equitable financing, and sustainable development practices, the international community can ensure cleaner air and a safer climate for future generations.

Topic: 2025 – Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Dattasai Bobba

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia acknowledges its role as a global leader in energy production and the impact of this position on climate change and air quality. We urge other nations to consider that we are not ignoring the effects of our energy production and we in fact feel the effects of the air quality issue more than some other nations. The air quality in the Kingdom ranges from moderate to damaging for our vulnerable populations, so it cannot be said that we do not care about the issue. The health of our people is and always has been of the utmost importance, and is a part of our Vision 30 goals.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made many efforts to combat climate change. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, pledged in 2021 that Saudi Arabia would achieve net zero emissions by 2060. Given our experience as a global energy leader, we are well positioned to make this goal a reality. The Kingdom is also a party in the Paris Agreement, and in line with that treaty have pledged to reduce our carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 278 million tons by 2030 and plan to use the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) approach to do so. We have also pledged to invest in carbon capture technologies with the goal of capturing one and a half thousand tons of carbon every day in the future. We are also joining the Global Methane Pledge, which seeks to reduce global emissions of the gas by 30% by 2030.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has also said we will plant 450 million trees in degraded lands to reduce emissions by 200 million tons. He has also stated that we will protect 30% of the Kingdom’s land, with 20% of that being done in the coming years.
All of these changes will be carried out in a way so as to preserve the Kingdom’s role as a leader in global energy production and to encourage investment in the private sectors, employment for future generations, and the stability of the Saudi economy and way of life. We wish it also to improve our relations with global powers and increase the quality of life for the world as a whole.

Position papers for GLIMUN 2025 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.