Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Isabel Todoroff
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Though Argentina itself has never faced total territory loss, the loss of the Falkland Islands causes Argentina to deeply sympathize with the island nation of Tuvalu. Argentina will do all it takes to help Tuvalu preserve their lands or relocate. Their entire country is flooding and sinking into the south Pacific, and something must be done.

Argentina believes that immediate help should go to Tuvalu in their time of need because as their land mass sinks down the population of 11,000 will be condensed until there will not be enough room for people to comfortably live. The Tuvalu people will need to relocate to other countries, and the United Nations should make that as easy as possible.

Argentina proposes that the United Nations Development Program provides research to see exactly how long Tuvalu has before becoming completely submerged into the Pacific. This allows the people of Tuvalu to know how long they have to evacuate and find a new place to settle.

The people of Tuvalu will need a new place to settle. Some have already gone to New Zealand, But not all of them can go there. Argentina proposes, that if necessary, there be a place where the people of Tuvalu can set up their own community. Preferably somewhere near the coast because their economy is based on seafood.

In conclusion, Argentina hopes that the United Nations will come to an agreement about Tuvalu. Tuvalu deserves as much help as the United Nations can possibly give it. Tuvalu and other Pacific islands, if they cannot be saved, need a different plan. If the entire nation disappears, the United Nations should have a plan for the people of Tuvalu so the country can still survive elsewhere.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Erin Lynn
School: Royal Oak High School

Australia believes that one of the most important issues we should address when discussing this topic is what to do with the refugees. Australia will see many of the displaced from Tuvalu and other Pacific island nations, as we are fairly close to those nations.

What should we do if the islands become permanently sunk? If this happens, we should not consider their citizens refugees. We should attempt to integrate the people into the populations of larger neighbors. This does not mean that all the people will be jammed into one country, but each nation should be suggested to take as many as they think would be comfortable, whether it’s 10 or 10,000. Also, the population should be allowed to become citizens according to the laws of their adopted countries, and have all the same rights as citizens.

Why should we accept people into our nations who may eventually become liabilities? We should make sure that the adults that will be transferred have suitable skills to find jobs in their new nation, and if not, they should have access to training. The children should be able to go to school and have as good of a future as kids who are native-born.

Who should pay for the cost of accepting these people? So receiving countries don’t spend all their money on their new citizens, other countries who are not close enough to accept refugees might want to loan money to the nations who do take people in, with the receiving nations paying the givers back once the displaced have settled and contributed to the economy.

Why should nations accept these people? Countries do not have a legal responsibility to accept people, but we do have a moral responsibility to help our fellow humans.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Claire Dennis
School: Roeper School

The Federative Republic of Brazil is distraught by the revelations that beautiful and unique sea level island nations, such as Tuvalu, may soon be unable to inhabit their nations due to rising sea levels. Brazil recognizes the grave implications that rising sea levels will have upon both low lying island and coastal nations, such as Bangladesh or Netherlands, to environment, and to their citizens. Brazil also realizes, with a heavy heart, that the uncertain futures of these nations are just some of the first serious territory loss issues spawning from global warming.

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that the international community will be able to prevent the loss of some of these low sea-level island nations. We have to recognize, however, that as an international community we need to prevent this situation from recurring at all costs. We must reevaluate our energy sources and their effects on greenhouse gas emissions. Brazil reminds the UN of the effectiveness of ethanol based bio-fuels in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil also recognizes that we must step up as an international community to assist these nations in their struggles to determine their future identities. Brazil believes that the UN should assist such nations to clearly establish their baselines in accordance with UN’s The Law of the Sea by using current geographic coordinates, and to protect and elevate these coastal areas in order to prevent a loss of territory if their coastlines were to continue to shrink. Furthermore, Brazil believes that such nations should also make legal claim to their sea beds in also in accordance with The Law of the Sea.

We encourage the UN to recognize these nations may have many refugees that will have to be hosted by the international community. As a part of the global citizenry that contributed to the endangerment of likely soon to be below-sea level nations, Brazil is convinced that the international community has a moral obligation to provide refugees asylum throughout the international community.

The Federative Republic of Brazil would like to extend a hand of friendship and support to affected nations. Additionally, Brazil would like to further draw attention to the detrimental effects that global warming is already having on our globe and to its citizens. We additionally ask all nations to commit to firm measures to counteract global warming at the coming Rio conference.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Andrew Rising
School: Williamston High School

The fate of Cameroon, like many other developing countries, rests in the hands of Mother Nature. With many miles of low-lying coastline and a string of active volcanoes running through the heartland, Cameroon realizes the very real threat posed by natural territory loss. Cameroon believes that while this problem can be mitigated with better infrastructure and funding, we will never fully be able to escape nature’s wrath. The issue at hand is not how to end territory loss, but how to deal with the consequences. All nations of the committee must realize this harsh fact before meaningful progress can be made.

Cameroon currently harbors over 50,000 refugees from Chad, Nigeria, and The Central African Republic. We realize the strain that refugees can have on a nation’s economic and governmental functions. Nonetheless, Cameroon believes that those without a place to call home deserve shelter, and more is required from the rich world to compensate the developing nations like Cameroon who provide a safe haven for these lost souls. Refugees from natural disasters flee to the closest country, not the country best equipped to deal with them. All countries must be economically able to open their doors to those facing total territory losses. We would expect to find allies for our proposal to increase aid to refugee-populated countries from those countries like Cameroon, which are still developing themselves, but open their doors to refugees nonetheless.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Anthony Gonzales
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Canada has and is more than willing and obligated to accept refugees who have lost their lands in other nations due to territory loss of that nation. Morally Canada will accept all refugees who have lost their property indefinitely in another country. This is as long as these people are willing to attempt to integrate into society and not burden Canada. Legally Canada has and will continue to accept people from other nations who have lost their land due to territory loss in their home nation. These people are still expected to follow procedure to come into Canada for any reason and if they are to stay for a prolonged period of time then they must register as citizens.

Canada believes that environmental policies should be put in place addressing global climate change. These policies should address the green house effect lessening the amount of green houses gases that are put into our atmosphere. Nations should actively monitor their green house gas emissions and began to slowly but steadily diminish the amount that is put out. Nations should begin to look at this problem and trying to figure out how to solve this problem. If we do not begin to strongly counteract this green house effect what will be left for future generations. Seal levels are beginning to rise due to green house effects and if this is not addresses nations will begin to lose parts of their nations to the ocean. So to prevent total territory loss to the oceans we must begin to counteract the greenhouse effect by monitoring the levels of green house gases each nation gives off and begin to slowly diminish thes

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Adam Standiford
School: Mattawan High School

It is important that the Republic of Chile protects itself from territory loss and assists other countries facing the same problems. With 6,435 km of coastline, the 19th largest in the world, a large percentage of Chile’s territory is potentially at risk of erosion and flooding. Rising sea levels due to global warming or flooding could contribute to this loss of territory. Also, a volcanic explosion from one of Chile’s three-dozen plus volcanos could render an entire region uninhabitable. The ash and fumes left behind from an explosion could mandate that an entire region be cleared of inhabitants for many, many years. Also, after losing the 1879-84 War of the Pacific to Chile, Bolivia lost claim to the Atacama corridor. Bolivia now asks for this strip of land back from Chile, but Chile refuses, instead offering Bolivia maritime access as long as Chile still has complete control over the piece of land. Any loss of land is a major threat to the Republic of Chile in the future.

Chile is not the only country facing territory loss. In recent years, nations such as Maldives, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, and the Marshall Islands have placed at a high risk of extreme flooding due to rising sea levels. These Island nations may be completely submerged in the near future. Chile sympathizes with these nations and will help protect them from complete submersion.

In an effort to limit territory loss in all coastal countries, Chile should advocate putting a stop on global warming to reduce the rate of rising sea levels. Countries placed at an extreme risk of disappearing into the ocean will be given aid including food, supplies, and eventually, evacuation.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: China
Delegate Name: Alex Loy
School: Mattawan High School

Global warming has made an impact on many parts of the world, and is clearly a center stage issue in today's affairs. By signing the Kyoto protocol China has signaled a willingness to address the state of the environment and the effects it is having not only on Tuvalu but on the world as a whole. However, China sees that this topic is extremely fickle and needs to be approached rather cautiously. China sees that it is not feasible, nor enough to merely put nonspecific caps on emissions. China instead hopes that more broad and long-term solutions can be accomplished without detrimental effects on economies across the board. China has already started its efforts towards a cleaner and safer earth with not only Eco-friendly buildings but also cities. It is the hope that the use of clean energy such as solar and wind power will promote an all around healthier environment without having negative effects on economies in developing nations such as China's.

For nations that are in immediate danger of territory loss such as Tuvalu or the islands of the Maldives China recognizes the need for fast action, financial support, and possible relocation. Each nation must first decide what they believe is the best course of action specific to their nations situation, and then ask for aid accordingly. As a highly populated nation China is unable to accept refugees from nations in distress but is open to giving aid in other forms, as it hopes other world powers will also consider doing.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Jessica Dupree
School: Fishers High School

Colombia strongly believes that total territory loss is an issue that needs to be addressed by the U.N. Total territory loss is an immensely serious problem that unfortunately some countries must face. These countries lose all of there land due to the environment and natural disasters. While Colombia does not personally deal with this issue, it is still of great importance to the country since the refugee’s will need some place to go. Unfortunately Colombia also believes that total territory loss is not something that can be prevented, due to the fact that it is caused by the environment. Although Colombia does believe that total territory loss can be predicted and made less destructive to societies.

Colombia has many ideas regarding total territory loss. One of them being that other unaffected countries should offer aid to the country affected and its refugee’s. These refugees will have no place to go back to so it is pertinent that the countries of the U.N. be willing to take in refugees into their country. Another proposal, linked to the idea of helping refugee’s, is to place these refugee’s in a country with culture similar to its own in order to make it easier for the people to assimilate. This only works if certain countries are willing. Colombia is certainly open to any ideas that the members of the U.N. may have, as long as it can help both sides of this issue. This issue involves many countries coming together to help in a time of crisis. Colombia believes that in order for this issue to be solved and not prevented but predicted there will need to be funding. The funding could come from donations set up by the U.N. In order to predict these things happening the environmental levels such as sea levels need to be monitored that way we can get the refugee’s out without causing a major crisis. This would lower the death rate and injuries sustained during the disaster, allowing the government to simply focus on the problem of the territory being lost.

Colombia proposes that an international fund be set up for countries facing and dealing with the issue of total territory loss. This fund would be run by donations from international organizations, such as the Red Cross, and other countries that are willing to help. Also that a list be compiled of countries willing to host refugees so that if something does happen there is a list ready to be used and recovery starting immediately. Colombia also proposes that a sub-committee be added to deal with the problems associated with total territory loss. This would put all the focus on total territory loss and assisting the countries dealing with it. Colombia believes this will help create a better and more effective way of dealing with total territory loss.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Katelyn Cripps
School: Williamston High School

Cote d’Ivoire is a coastal country of Africa. Since territory loss cannot be prevented, especially when the environment is the cause, Cote d’Ivoire believes that it isn’t the United Nations job to address this issue. Although, the UN could be helpful in regards to territory loss. Countries that suffer from territory loss like Tuvalu and other island nations would benefit from the UN helping them. The UN could provide aid to countries that do not have the means to help themselves. Aid could go to building structures that could be reinforced to prevent natural disasters that would normally be damaged by high tides, rising sea levels and flooding.

The ocean is a main cause of territory loss especially to countries that remain at sea level. Nations that are continuously being threatened by rising waters due to glacial melting are losing vast amounts of their territories. The loss of an entire region is a concern and can result in countries being totally destitute. Cote d’Ivoire is a country that is concerned about rising water levels and erosion. Additionally, Cote d’Ivoire would like to see the UN help countries set up systems to monitor and study territory loss and set up funds in order to build territory loss structures like dams and floodgates to prevent extreme flooding. A system that would alert locals about dangerous levels of rising waters and/or territory loss could come from financial aid that the UN has organized for these suffering countries. Also, since Cote d’Ivoire is a coastal country in Africa, they should help raise awareness of global warming which would need the backing of other countries as well. Countries should be aware of territory loss and be willing to do what it takes to prevent it because the loss of countries disappearing in the ocean would be tragic, especially since the world as ways of helping.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Mark Hensel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Many low-lying nations such as the Netherlands and Bangladesh, and islands such as Tuvalu, Maldives, and Kiribati, face the prospect of partial to total territory loss in the coming decades as a consequence of rising sea levels and increased extreme weather events e.g. hurricanes, typhoons and floods. Even without such catastrophic events, gradual salinization of soil, corruption of the water tables and low flooding of crops, and already, in just one example of the harm, 75 Tuvaluans each year are allowed to flee as “environmental refugees” to New Zealand. Most science suggests that climate change is a significant cause of these issues, and that climate change in turn has been caused by high levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases being released by societies into the air, with rich countries, and their fifteen percent of global population, adding 45 percent of emissions, and the explosion of the middle class in the developing world, especially China, presaging future growth in consumption of resources and creation of greenhouse gases. There have been many international conferences, those in Rio in 1992, Kyoto in 1997, and Copenhagen in 2009being the most prominent, that have established guidelines for international efforts to retrofit older, inefficient systems and products as well as implement more sustainable practices and products as they arise, but many countries, developed and developing, have not hewed to these frameworks. Egypt, in contrast, has been a leader in the Arab region and beyond in the fight against climate change, dedicating government resources to official ecological projects and putting funds in the hands of private entrepreneurs/businesses, especially in the fields of infrastructure, renewable energy and green construction, such as population relocation, using heartier crops, constructing barriers around low lands, using solar water heaters, and alternative fuels, not to mention all the more localized efforts of community leaders and NGOs. Egypt has been a large donor and recipient of humanitarian aid, and in recent times has helped Ethiopian flood victims, and would expect similar aid from other countries should the threat to Egyptian territory become more grave. All these have been essential, as Egypt, reliant as it is on the Nile delta and banks for agriculture, and rainfall for crops, is among the countries most threatened by climate change, according to the United Nations, and rising sea levels and changing rainfall are especially concerning.

Egypt’s strategy is one of “integration and implementation;” namely, that there must be integration of economic, political, and ecological goals, and implementation of existing laws, without adding new obligations, especially to developing countries, who, as Egypt has done, must find their own ways of advancing national economic interests while preserving their own resources and those of the rest of the world. The UN has stated that impoverished nations are affected more drastically than wealthy ones, and yet Egypt, like many other developing nations, contributes relatively little to global warming but it will receive some of the worst consequences. For this reason, Egypt believes that developed nations, who in general are less susceptible to climate change, must reaffirm, at Rio+20 or earlier, their commitment to the Kyoto Protocol inter alia, and share their greater wealth and technology with the rest of the world, as an egalitarian and humanitarian action. The guidelines are there for progress on climate change, but they must be followed.

Most developing nations support similar ideals, some of the most prominent being India, China, Brazil, and Indonesia, and they will use their own political capital to help influence policy, to ensure that all international agreements are conformed to, and that any new agreements, should they be necessary, not impede the development of any nation.

Developed countries such as the United States, Australia, Russia, and others continue to contribute more than their fair share of greenhouse gases and have not upheld their commitments to other countries. They are likely to continue to advocate whatever plan best convenes their economic interest, be it a new, more lax requirement for conservation or emissions, or a push for so-called “green business,” a way of binding less-developed nations to them, and avoiding legal, binding restrictions. Their superior clout poses a great danger to international frameworks for ecological progress, domestically and globally.

Sources:

http://www.escwa.un.org/divisions/projects/ifsd/index.asp

http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/csd/csd_pdfs/csd-19/backgrounder.pdf

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89660898

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89956754

http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/English/main/env_ozone_ecc_neg.asp

http://itotd.com/articles/499/disappearing-island-nations

http://www.moyak.com/papers/tuvalu-climate-change.html

http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&type=510&nr=572&menu=115

http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/FourStTemplate.aspx?Category_ID=864

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Karalyn Cook
School: Fishers High School

With 1,250 km of Finland’s border being coastline, territory loss is a big worry for the people of Finland. However Finland has a strong opinion on accepting refugees from other countries.

Finland has what they call the “Finnish Refugee Council.” This is a group of people who support the rights of refugees. Recently there have been some thoughts on raising Finland’s refugee quota, but many are hesitating due to the cost this would cause. The cause of the costly nature of this increase is due to the number of minors that come to stay in Finland. When a minor arrives in Finland, the government does what they can to track down the minor’s family. In the occasion that the minor’s family can be found, they are also admitted to the country.

Finland believes that countries should allow in refugees, but only if the country is able to handle the increase in population. If there is already a majority of a country’s population in poverty and jobless, then it would not be wise to open your borders to more human beings. However, if your population is well off, and most adults have jobs welcome these refugees in and give them somewhere to stay, as long as they can earn it.

Finland opens its borders to over 700 refugees a year, and while that doesn’t compare to Sweden’s 2000 + per year, this policy gives 700 people, who otherwise would not have a home, somewhere to call home.

Although it is not a country’s responsibility to open its borders and let in refugees, Finland believes it is the right way to handle the situation. It is not right for a country, which is providing well for their people, to send away those who have nowhere to go.

Finland believes there needs to be a policy put in place that requires country, based on their population and poverty levels, to allow in a certain number of refugees a year. Although some may be running from a problem in their own country, many refugees have nowhere else to go but to another country. Some must leave because of a natural disaster, government take over, or possibly a war. No matter what the reason they need someone’s help, so countries need to open their borders, to a limit, and allow in those with nowhere else to go.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: France
Delegate Name: John Kim
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The Republic of France believes that the rising sea level is an issue which we must address immediately. Low lying islands such as Maldives or Kiribati, and low lying countries such as the Netherlands are in danger of permanently losing substantial amounts of land. In the last century, sea levels have risen by twenty centimeters and by 2100, it may surge to five times that, or even more if the ice sheets in Greenland collapse and melt. This loss of land may result in a massive amount of climate refugees fleeing countries. In a recent World Bank Study, it was estimated that if the sea levels were to rise one meter, it would force 56 million people out of their homes.

One way that the UN has tried to combat global warming has been through the Kyoto Protocol. It was adopted in 1997 and was put into force in 2005. Its goals are to reduce the emissions of four greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and sulphur hexafluoride) by 5.2% from the 1990 levels. Although every nation has ratified this other than one, it has still not been enough as there hasn’t been a noticeable decrease of the effects of these greenhouse gases.

The Republic of France is affected by this issue directly because of the islands under the Republic of France’s power around the world. The Republic of France has control of islands in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean, and many more areas, so the effects of the rising sea levels are a major concern to the Republic of France. The Republic of France is most concerned with the French Polynesian Islands which have a rising sea level of ten millimeters per year.

The Republic of France believes that the refugees should return to countries which they have strong ties with. The Republic of France, having close ties with many islands, is very willing to take in the French refugees from those islands closely associated with the Republic of France, and believes other countries should take in all refugees who may be citizens to those countries or closely related to those countries. Also, the UN should set aside a fund to help the countries taking in refugees to clothes, shelter, and feed those refugees.

The Republic of France also believes that the political borders of the islands and regions taken by water should be kept the way they were until further deliberation by the UN. Countries and island states should not lose their political recognition immediately. Also, the refugees should be granted citizenship to the country which took them in along with their current citizenship to their previous home. The citizenship to the refugees’ origin should be kept until that country or island state is no longer recognized by the UN.

The Republic of France believes that the only way to combat the future advance of the sea would be to change the environmental policies of the member states of the United Nations. Although the Kyoto Protocol was a step in the right direction, the Republic of France believes that further steps should be taken to ensure that global warming will not get worse.

This will be a difficult up-hill battle, but it is one which the UN must win.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: John Bradford
School: Royal Oak High School

Gabon believes, as the United Nations believes, that all people are entitled to basic human rights. Gabon has sympathy for those nations facing creeping shorelines and vanishing coasts. However, Gabon believes the primary concern is not for immediate environmental solutions, but for solutions for the people of affected nations and what they must do to survive.

When the word “refugee” is uttered, immediately the word “war” comes to mind, but not for the people of nations like Tuvalu. With many individuals fleeing every year, local nations are faced with the difficult decision of dealing with refugees that soon will not have a home to return to. Gabon believes in the full entitlement of human and political rights of these people and urges recipient nations to feel the same. As the United Nations, all we can do is encourage local nations to open their borders to accommodate these unfortunate people and provide at least partial citizenship for them.

Gabon believes that nations already doing something prevent rising sea levels must do more to further slow this incredibly grim future sinking nations are facing. There may be no way of escaping the future of an underwater Tuvalu, but there is still hope to slow its descent. Many nations are doing what they can to lower carbon emissions, but some things in this world are inevitable, and no dump trucks of sand can permanently solve this problem, nor can any amount of emissions regulations. It is a sad truth for these nations facing territory loss, but all that can be done be for them is for nations to accept their refugees with open arms.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Elliott Rioux
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Germany had faced territorial losses after WW1 and WW2; due to the fall of Nazi Germany and the formation of the United Nations, Germany was divided into to two separate states, East and west. After the unification of East and West Germany in 1990, Germany has not faced major problems with territory loss. Due to rising sea levels; just one of the effects of global warming, Germany and other European countries' shores will be submerged in years in the future. In July 2011, The Security Council expressed concern that possible effects of climate change could aggravate threats to international peace and security and that the loss of territory in some countries due to a rise in sea-level, impacting major damages to low-lying island countries. In a statement read out by Council President for July 2011, Peter Wittig of Germany, the 15-member body, debated on “maintenance of international peace and security: they impact of climate change”, and “conflict analysis and contextual information” followed by “possible security implications of climate change” was important when climate issues can drive conflict such as border disputes.

Germany has been working close with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); decreasing the use of non renewable energies, and agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Germany has invested in various renewable energies such as solar, hydro, and wind power. From 2000 to 2011, Germany has increased their use of renewable energies by 20%. In 2007, Germany has passed it's goal of 12% renewable energies that power German; today Germany relies on 17%+ renewable energy. In the long run, Germany wishes to further the preservation of Earth's climate, and commends other nations to make an effort to use renewable energies to preserve Earth's climate, and to sustain shorelines, in doing so recuse border border disputes.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: India
Delegate Name: Rachel Horn
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

There has been much discussion this decade surrounding climate change and its effects on geography. With rising sea levels, small island nations, such as the Maldives, the Seychelles, as well as Bangladesh, fear partial to total territory loss. In the matter of refugees, it needs to be understood that India is supporting a large and growing population. The population growth rate has decreased to 1.34%, but India is still a crowded and developing country. This loss is destined to leave thousands of refugees. The question is: do other nations accept the refugees. India, already supporting a large and growing population, is unable to accept and support climate refugees from its neighbor Bangladesh or other suffering nations. As for now, the problem of sea levels is escalating. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) says that the rate of 3 millimeters per year is actually increasing. How do nations decrease climate change? Even if they are capable this does not eliminate territory loss and an immediate plan for people in sinking areas is necessary. India is not facing total territory loss, but it is facing some loss on its Indian Ocean coastline, even in major cities like Mumbai. Some territory loss is inevitable and occurring. As for climate change, India has recently taken charge in making a more environmentally friendly society. India is part of the Major Economy Forum for Energy and Climate, which facilitates communication on climate change. In this group, India has agreed to be more open about the amount of green house gases emitted in India. This, along with domestic improvements, puts India as an advocate for action against climate change. It believes conversation is the first step towards fixing the problem.

India believes that reducing emissions and slowing climate change is important. As a developing nation, India cannot afford to regulate its industry as much as developed nations, but it has pledged to make an effort in it National Action Plan on Climate Change. Loss in island nations and Bangladesh is inevitable. Some has occurred. Countries must work to limit climate change and slow this process. The refugees displaced must be given a new home; this fact is recognized by most international organizations. India is unable to currently support them and it must be determined what countries are able to take in refugees. India believes that a resolution focused on understanding and regulation on factors leading to climate change would be appropriate.

Countries that are sinking into the ocean would support India’s stance on climate change, but would want a more secure plan for refugees than India is willing to give. Nations that are taking a strong stance on climate change, generally developed nations, would agree that there needs to be some communication on the topic between countries. India asserts in its National Action Plan on Climate Change that it will attempt to keep its green house gas emissions equal with developed countries during its development. Nations that want communication, many are developed countries, would support India.

Other developing countries are not as proactive and it is necessary to persuade those countries to invest in the future. Other developing Asian nations such as Thailand have been working on communication too on emissions. If more developing countries go towards environmentally friendly societies it will increase global awareness. As for now, the more countries with apathetic views toward climate change could take up too much of the votes.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Shawn Anderson
School: Roeper School

Assistance to countries facing total territory loss

Representing Italy

Volcanic eruptions, rising seas, tectonic rifts, floods and other natural disaster can all trigger total territory loss, where a sizable part of a nations territory is destroyed or changed for the worse by a natural disaster. Islands such as the Maldives and Tuvalu face rising seas that could completely cover the island. Most nations, Italy included, believe that the global warming causes the natural disasters and rising sea levels that are the main threat behind total territory loss. Italy believes that more laws to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, as well as more laws to regulate the climate. Italy firmly believes that less emissions will slow the global climate change, therefore save countries, such as Tuvalu, from total territory loss. In 2007 Italy requested that business lowered the dress code so that one did not have to wear a tie. Not wearing a Tie can reduce body temperature by 2-3 degrees Celsius there for making the air conditions be 2-3 degrees Celsius lower, lowering their emissions. Italy also believes refugees from nations facing total territory loss should be taken in, until they find a new home. Italy encourages other nations to set up refugee camps and to take in refugees from countries facing total territory loss, such as the Maldives. Italy believes that it is a nations moral obligation to take in, even if just for a short time, those whose homes are long gone, and who have nowhere to go.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Alexander Clegg
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

In recent times, the often over looked aspect of territorial loss due to the environment has become much more apparent to such countries as Tuvalu and other countries that lie at or below sea level. Territorial loss can also be seen in tectonic plate action, resulting in rifts forming and volcanic action. Given time, these environmental factors can lead to territorial loss, which proposes the question, to where do the residing population move to if it cannot be stopped?

Japan, which contains 108 active volcanoes (10% of the world’s active volcanoes) and sits right atop the Pacific Rim, is composed of over 2,400 islands in an archipelago and no point in Japan is more than 150 km from the sea. Earthquakes are common, with over 1,500 recorded yearly. With so many islands, so little land, ad so large of a population (proportional to land area of course), Japan is extremely susceptible to territorial loss due to rising sea levels and other environmental issues.

To combat territorial loss, several actions must be taken to deal with the separate issues that can cause territorial loss. For instance, with respect to volcanic activity, guidelines should be set as to not cultivate and not depend on land that is close to active volcanoes. Regarding rising sea levels, the causes, mainly greenhouse gases, should be targeted directly and immediately so as to reverse the rate at which the sea levels are rising. Overall, however, plans must be made to counteract the effects of territorial loss.

Japan believes that the most pressing concern is the issue of rising sea levels, and its underlying cause, excessive green house gases. What began as the Kyoto Protocol must be intensified. Time is running out for many people. In a recent World Bank Study, it is estimated that if sea levels rise another meter, 56 million people would be forced to move. This cannot be allowed to happen. The United States of America must sign on to some sort of agreement and they must at least attempt to reduce their emissions. Japan hopes that all countries of the original Kyoto Protocol will join arms with Japan and try with all their might to reduce green house gas emissions so as to stop the rising sea levels.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Latvia
Delegate Name: Caroline Wittland
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The Republic of Latvia knows very well the dangers of total territory loss. We are one of many low-lying nations (including Tuvalu, Maldives, and many of the Baltic states) who are facing rising sea levels that could submerge our coastline and lead to major losses in land. Some Latvians would undoubtedly lose their homes. While we have several decades before rising sea levels reach this dangerous point, the time to act is now.

Latvia is well aware of the responsibility that we have to the future generations of the world. We (the United Nations and the world) should be concerned with making sure that the futures of our respective nations are ones of happiness and normality instead of strife and anxiety. Some nations at risk for losing land to rising sea levels will lose major portions of their populations to other nations not at risk. Some nations may even cease to exist in a century from now due to total territory loss. We definitely don’t need a real life Atlantis on our hands.

Latvia proposes that preventative measures be put into place in order to help countries afraid of total territory loss. Implant flood gates and other similar tools to protect nations such as Latvia from losing much of their land to rising sea levels. These measures could make a major impact in the fight against total territory loss.

Latvia believes that the United Nations should work to help out nations who are facing total territory loss in the next century. Nations who are not facing the dangers of rising sea levels should help out the nations in trouble by accepting refugees from countries where land is lost to the sea and providing aid so that the nations can take preventative measures so that they are no longer in danger. Without aid from the United Nations, Latvia, Tuvalu, Maldives, and the other nations facing total territory loss may no longer exist by the next century.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Alexander Raveane
School: Roeper School

Libya believes that nations’ facing total territorial loss is a major world issue. Libya also believes that helping the world environment is very important. Although rising water levels are a cause of threat for New York City and South Carolina. Because Libya is in Africa it knows of environmental problems such as desertification, which causes water shortages and negatively impacts agricultural development. Libya has just undergone a revolution, and our governing National Transitional Council has many national issues to address. But this does not mean that we will stop aiding other countries that need assistance.

Nations belonging to the United Nations have a legal responsibility to help refugees from collapsing nations when there is a disaster. Libya was very recently the recipient of major international efforts to protect our citizens from harm as the Khadafy era was ending, so we have a moral responsibility to help Nations on the verge of total destruction. Other nations also have moral responsibilities for the refugees, especially in cases where islands are destroyed and the people have no place to go.

Global warming has had a huge effect on rising sea levels and will soon cause the destruction of many islands if nations do not try to solve the problem. Developed and underdeveloped nations around the world must make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Libya is committed to a carbon-free energy world and is in transition to solar and wind energy generation, making use of our vast desert and coastal environment. We do have a responsibility to reduce air pollution by slowing down greenhouse gas emissions. Nations must also research new technologies to help with this issue and we may be able to slow down the rapidly rising sea levels, therefore saving some of the island nations that face grave danger in the future.

Developing countries need to develop technology and reduce poverty to help with greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries also need to find ways of reducing carbon emission. A transformation of world energy systems will help solve the climate issue. The World Bank estimates US$400 billion every year must be spent. The developing countries must pay most of this to help the damaged environment. It will be the developing countries that bear the burden of global warming if nothing is done to stop it.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Maldives
Delegate Name: Bruce Crane
School: Mattawan High School

The nation of Maldives considers rising ocean levels to be a major threat, because it is an nation made up of islands in the Indian Ocean, and its primary economic activity is tourism. With the highest elevation at 2.4m above sea level it requests immediate action to be taken by the UN.

The action that Maldives would like taken is a stronger agreement from nations such as the United States, and other industrialized nations to help combat the growing number of pollutants going into the atmosphere. With an increasing number of third and second world countries becoming industrialized, Maldives would like a fund set up to help any refugees fleeing from nations facing total territory loss due to the rising levels of the oceans. Maldives would also like there to be land set aside for countries who are facing total territory loss in lands where their is ample room for the flooded nation to peacefully co-exist with the existing nation.

Maldives would also like preventative measures taken to help contain the rising sea levels from the land. This could be done by using money from a fund set up to build dams, floodgates, and dikes in order to help protect the land from flooding, and to allow more time for nations to react to the rising sea levels.

Maldives would also like nations to keep in mind that this is an issue that is affecting many people around the world today, while Maldives has not begun evacuations, the nation of Tuvalu has begun with the assistance of New Zealand.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Zoe Bommarito
School: Williamston High School

Nigeria strongly believes that territory loss is an issue the United Nations needs to address. Tuvalu and many other island nations are currently losing vast portions of their territory, threatening their country's population. Nations that have an elevation at very near sea level are among those most threatened by rising water levels. The rising water due to glacial melting covers islands with low elevation, causing territory loss, and eventually could result in the loss of the entire region. Nigeria believes territory loss is not something that can be prevented, especially considering that the environment is the cause. However, together, the United Nations can help make the territory loss affecting these states less devastating.

The United Nations should consider many strategies that could help these suffering nations. Nigeria recommends the United Nations should provide aid to regions like Tulavu. The United Nations should especially consider those states that do not have the resources themselves. This aid would maintain measures, like building structures, to prevent damage by natural disasters. These building structures will prevent flooding caused by the high tides and rising sea level.

Additionally the United Nations would monitor sea level to alert nations when rising waters could cause territory loss and predict the continuance of the region. This allows the native peoples to know exactly how long before they need to relocate.

Nigeria requests the United Nations provide aid to those communities undergoing evacuation. Nations similar to their own should accept the refugees undergoing relocation. Considering further, these refugees should progress towards areas with coinciding culture, making it easier for assimilation. Nigeria is willing to assist countries undergoing territory loss, and urges the United Nations to do the same.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Magda Hlavacek
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Total territory loss greatly concerns the nation of Portugal. An example of this that is of special concern to Portugal is territory loss due to flooding. Portugal is a coastal nation, and many of its highly populated regions are near coastlines. Flooding of these areas due to rising sea levels and erosion of coastlines could displace significant amounts of people. Flooding has become an increasing problem lately due to rising sea levels. Glacial melting due to rising global is causing sea levels to rise, leading to loss of territory. The situation in Tuvalu shows that territory loss due to rising sea levels is a real problem that can have a profound effect on nations.

The country of Portugal believes that nations should assist in the relocation of people displaced due to territory loss. This assistance could include accepting to refugees to the best of a nation’s ability. Portugal is willing to assist nations experiencing territory loss, such as Tuvalu, but might need to receive assistance for similar reasons in the future.

The nation of Portugal would like to suggest that some international development aid be set aside for countries that have a high risk of experiencing total territory loss to be used in building structures that could prevent territory loss. For example, countries with flooding as a risk could use some funds to build structures of flood barriers or improve on already existing ones. Many already existing flood barriers would not be useful in the future if sea levels continue rising.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Conor McInerney
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Total Territory Loss is a ramification that is human inflicted and a direct result of how we live our daily lives. We must take responsibility for the damage we have done to the earth and repair it to the best of our ability, otherwise, there will be severe repercussions, such as climate change that will affect global safety and security, as well as the destruction of many island nations being compromised to rising sea levels. However, there are many more strings attached, such as the refugees left in the wake of the confusion. It is the Russian Federation’s belief that the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Committee must pass resolutions that not only specify the legal and moral responsibility of nations when accepting or denying refugees from other nations, but also pass resolutions that will decrease our ecological footprint as a whole.

The Russian Federation believes that countries should be required to contribute to a fund that would promote a decrease in our ecological impact, wherever applicable, based on a per capita footprint. Countries who pollute more, and contribute our problem more, should have to pay more. The funds allocated could be used to implicate alternative energies, restore land destroyed by rising sea levels, or even be used to educate people how to live sustainably. As for the crisis of determining the acceptance of refugees, we believe it is case to case specific. Bluntly, when a refugee has nowhere to return to, in most situations, we believe they should have the opportunity to stay in the country they have temporarily resided in. If a refugee does have a place to return to, we believe that the country of their citizenship should be notified, and that person be extradited. Of course, this is a black and white outline of our general beliefs. The logistics will be addressed in our delegation.

Many nations such as China and the United States have created incentives for their citizens to live sustainably and have decreased figures such as carbon emissions. Despite their efforts, the world is still lacking the ability to prevent Total Territory Loss. This is due to geographical disadvantages, as well as, economical and social disadvantages. We do not believe a country should have to relocate, abandon their beliefs and compromise their dignity just to ensure the safety of their people. More attractively, the United Nations should be able to assist, preventing territory loss when able to, and mediating the fate of the refugees that become displaced.

Many countries believe that it is in one’s best interest to not become involved in an internal conflict or a dispute amongst neighbors. However, if the United Nations sits dormant when an island-nation is flooded, or refugees are being slaughtered, we have not fulfilled our devotion to promoting world peace, have we?

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Anastasia Pacifico
School: Royal Oak High School

South Africa accepts the conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its 4th Assessment Report. The government recognizes the clear warming of the climate due to greenhouse gasses. South Africa regards climate change as one of the largest threats to developing society. An increase in the Earth’s temperature melts the ice caps and raises the sea level, which is the main factor in the total territory loss of small islands in the Pacific.

With the maximum elevation of Tuvalu a slim 4.6 meters above sea level, the slightest rise in sea level will wipe out vast areas of land. In what ways can nations aid islands facing rapid territory loss? What is the best method of evacuating the people whose homes will soon be underwater?

South Africa is mitigating its dependence on greenhouse gasses, a leading factor to global warming. We have developed a plan so that by no later than 2035 we shall see a decrease in our greenhouse gas emissions. We encourage all nations to do the same, especially the nations with a high percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. Hopefully, reducing the pace of global warming will allocate the Pacific islands more time to evacuate their people and evaluate their diplomatic situation.

An effective resolution must also include an understanding of what will become of the lost nations government, the people’s rights, and citizenship.

The citizens of Tuvalu must be evacuated as soon as possible, as there is barely any time before its land is consumed by the ocean. South Africa calls for an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government also encourages willing and able nations to take in refugees while granting them basic human rights.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Nicholas Vergara
School: Mattawan High School

Territory loss is a matter that is important to the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea has faced territory loss during the Korean War which led to the splitting of the north and south. Korea is also located on a peninsula meaning that water is on three sides of Korea leaving them exposed to tsunamis and severe storms. Korea is also a very densely populated country with many cities and can be affected severely by tsunamis and earthquakes that often occur in that part of the world.

Korea would be willing to help countries who are affected by territory loss because Korea has faced the same problem. Korea would not be able to provide a home for those from countries facing territory loss but Korea would be willing to help those in other ways such as setting up a better system for keeping the water at a stable level or help slow down the process of territory loss within those nations.

Korea would suggest that other countries that are not facing this problem and are in a good economical state to donate money to these island countries and coastal countries that face territory loss. For example, countries that face severe earthquakes that don't have a very good system to control the damage or create stable and durable buildings like Haiti should be helped by those who are able to lend money, supplies and people to keep the affect at a minimum. Korea supports the idea of aiding countries that face territory loss and is willing to also help those in whatever means that is available.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Allen
School: Fishers High School

*NOTE: The Topic Area A section is not letting me submit it in that area.*

Committee: Sustainable Development

Topic Area A: Long-Term Rebuilding Strategy Following Natural Disaster

Country: Switzerland

Delegate: Ms.

Switzerland strongly believes that rebuilding strategy following a natural disaster needs to be efficient and help all people in need. First, Switzerland would like to discuss the importance of reducing the risks of its people as well as the countries of the U.N. with the immensely beneficial UNEP program with branches in Geneva as well as Switzerland.

As spoken in 2002 when Switzerland was first entered into the U.N., Switzerland wants to work on humanitarian works and keep the peace throughout the world. With that includes environmental peace and balance. Switzerland would like to stress the amount of natural disaster that occur each year throughout the country, and without a proper plan and system of recovery, Switzerland will be in shambles. The people of Switzerland want to see a lower risk of harm to their country after many years of natural disaster striking their homeland, and ruining their country. In the past thirty years, almost ten thousand people have been effected in some way by a natural disaster, and the people of Switzerland wants to see change in the way that these situations are handled.

Switzerland wants peace in their homeland, as well as in all the countries of the world, and by having chaos because of lack of initiative in natural disaster prevention and recovery is not the way to go. Switzerland wants to increase funds for recovery and rebuilding after natural disasters to benefit both its own country and all of the other countries affected by disasters. In the past, Switzerland has funded a branch of relief called UNEP which helps pre and post-crisis. UNEP has partnered with over forty countries in response to crisis situations and disasters around the globe. UNEP’s take on the recovery after a crisis is “in the aftermath of a crisis, UNEP implements environmental recovery programmes through field-based project offices to support long-term stability and sustainable development in conflict and disaster-affected countries.” Switzerland wants peace around the world, and providing long-term rebuilding strategies and recovery techniques will help achieve this goal as well as benefit countries economically.

Switzerland believes that the U.N. should continue to support and increase funding on UNEP and other organizations that involve disaster prevention and recovery. While these organizations cost much money to sustain, property damage as well as damage to the country’s economy make up for the losses in these programs. The people of Switzerland propose the U.N. takes a more in depth look on natural disasters and how effective organizations that help the recovery of countries affected are in terms of economics and wellbeing of the country. These organizations will truly affect all people in need of help in concerns to the state of each country in need

***

Committee: Sustainable Development

Topic Area B: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss

Country: Switzerland

Delegate: Ms.

Switzerland strongly believes that assistance for nations facing total territory loss needs to be completely funded and supported by those countries in the U.N. Assistance will help revitalize all countries not only in danger of country loss, but all countries around the world affected by this loss.

In article 53 of Switzerland’s constitution, it states that “1, the Federation protects the existence and the territory of the Cantons. (2) Modifications of the established Cantons require the assent of the population affected, of the Cantons affected as well as of the Swiss People and the Cantons at large.(3) Territorial modifications between Cantons require the assent of the population affected and of the Cantons affected as well as the approval of the Federal Parliament in the form of a federal decree.” Switzerland’s people want to be protected from any loss of territories, in which they state they will protect if they are in harm’s way. Switzerland has created this article to assure that after building the great country, there will be no issues with the constant worry of attack and take over by others. Switzerland has gone through territory fights before, and created this constitution to assure their people that it will not happen again.

Switzerland wants to maintain peace throughout the nation, and by creating more policies in which territory loss from invasions will be prevented. If these policies are not taken, the U.N. will need to take a stand and help those countries in need of new homeland or regaining their territory. Peace is Switzerland’s main goal, and if restoring a helpless country’s homeland is what needs to be done, action should be taken to assist these countries in need. If every country in the U.N. that is touching or near the country with total territory loss would help with rebuilding and funding, development would be in abundance and these countries would repay the U.N. with peace and prosperity for everyone.

Switzerland wants to take action in the fight against war and hate. Total territory loss is devastating to countries in danger, and if the U.N. would support these countries with funding and volunteers to help rebuild their government, community, and jobs, these countries that used our help would help the U.N. in return, and peace would be here at last. Each country that assists the territory-less country with land, support, volunteers, and food would be eternally in good graces with the country accepting the help, and with each good deed done by U.N. countries, the more countries would want to join the U.N. and help make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place. These countries would help research new ideas when given the opportunity to restart their country and their thoughts. Each would be able to discover new peaceful ways to resolve issues because they will have seem how the world can work together as one big world.

"ICL – Switzerland Constitution." Internetprojekte Prof. Dr. Axel Tschentscher, LL.M., M.A. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html>.

Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Madison Hoffman
School: Fishers High School

The United Kingdom believes that there are only curtain times in which a country should loss all of their land to a different country. For the most part countries should just be forced to enhance their government so it can function properly.

The United Kingdom believes that it should depend on the state of the country and how well they are doing independently. If the country is having trouble the United Kingdom believes that the U.N. should just try to help them regain their power.

If the government is not substantial then the U.N. needs to try to help find a way to make it better. They need to help in everyway possible to secure the safety of the people of said country. The main goal is to have the government of a country be able to help the people that live in the country.

If another country takes away land from a country, the people of the former country will still be there. They will have to learn to adapt to a new way of things such as government, taxes, money and many other things. It would just be best for the U.N. to help the country set up a better government so they can do all the things listed properly.

A government should not be made brand new, but only renew and add things in that should be added to secure the government. If the government is started brand new then the people of the country will not benefit from anything. The people need to be okay with what is happening in the government so they do not rebel or try to start a rebellion against the new government. Taking away the government and land from a group of people is never a good idea. These people if they do not like the new structure and more likely to rebel if they do not know the people who are ruling their country in which they live. That is why it would be best just to add new items into the government structure, so not to confuse the people of the nation.

In conclusion, the United Kingdom feels that it is best just to restore the government in the country and instead make the country pay for what the U.N. feels is right. This also, could/should, possibly be an issue that the countries that are dealing with the problem should handle alone. The U.N. should only come in if the countries need help to decide what to do.