Topic: UN's Role in preparing for Global Climate Shift
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Lauren Brady
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Bolivia position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
The Plurinational State of Bolivia Recognizes the urgency necessary in preventing further climate change. As a small country working to grow its economy and improve its standard of living, Bolivia is one of the most vulnerable countries when it comes to the consequences of climate change but also one of the least responsible in incurring this looming crisis.
Bolivia is increasingly facing problems specifically in the domain of agriculture. Common practices throughout the country include "slash and burn" techniques for clearing space in which to farm. This leads to deforestation which leads in turn to desertification and a decrease in biodiversity. But the people of Bolivia have no other options; as a country Bolivia does not have the technological resources of the richest nations, so the people must live by what means they have. As global temperatures rise, agriculture will be increasingly threatened by more extreme droughts and floods and by the invasion of pests. Bolivia's people cannot afford greater insecurity of food and water, therefore Bolivia calls on the UN to be a coordinating body in international efforts to drastically reduce carbon emissions and to be a forum for the exchange of ideas around sustainable development. This Environmental Committee must discuss: binding agreements to cap carbon emissions; and collective support of vulnerable countries developing into sustainable nations and likewise, rich countries progressing into environmentally responsible leaders.
Bolivia is confident that through the existing committees the UN can facilitate this coordination; and following the International Panel on Climate Change, this Environmental Committee, the UN Environment Program, and the Global Environment Facility in conjunction with NGOs can implement the methods discussed.
Bolivia, therefore, supports radical action to preserve our Earth, and will stand unwaveringly regardless of pressure from corrupt efforts to present a facade of action over torpidity.
Works Cited
1. Foundation for Sustainable Development. "Environmental Sustainability Issues in Bolivia." http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/bolivia/envissues
2. Pablo Solon. "Why Bolivia stood alone in opposing the Cancún climate agreement." The Guardian; http://www.theguardian.com/environment/cif-green/2010/dec/21/bolivia-oppose-cancun-climate-agreement
3. "Bolivia Proposes Pathway to Solve Climate Talks: Be clear about targets and honour commitments." World People's Conference on Climate Change; http://pwccc.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/bolivia-proposes-pathway-to-solve-climate-talks-be-clear-about-targets-and-honour-commitments/
4. http://www.oxfam.org/en/policy/bolivia-climate-change-poverty-and-adaptation
5. http://www.un.org/en/sustainability/index.shtml
