Topic: Assistance for Nations Facing Total Territory Loss
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Anastasia Pacifico
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Africa position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
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.
