United Nations Environment Programme - Background Guide B CAHSMUN XVII
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United Nations Environment
Programme
Background Guide B
CAHSMUN XVIILetter from the Director Dear Delegates, Welcome to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) at CAHSMUN 2021. My name is Nick Liu and I am absolutely delighted to serve as your Director at this iteration of CAHSMUN. I am currently a senior at Fraser Heights Secondary, a school on the edge of Surrey. Outside of committee sessions, I can often be found debating and cooking food at ungodly hours. Four years ago, my first conference ignited a spark that kept on drawing me back to MUN. At the time, I was unable to discern why I always came back to each committee session. Over my years in Model UN, I have come to realize my attraction to MUN came from the vibrant clash of ideologies and brilliant debates that stem from these conferences. To the first time delegates, Model United Nations may seem like nothing more than teenagers in oversized blazers arguing over trivial issues. However, I urge you to look deeper than that surface image, as you will then soon realize the invaluable skills and long-lasting friendships only found at MUN conferences. The committee UNEP reflects my values in environmental conservation and protecting the planet. Without a doubt, climate change is a pressing concern to almost every sector of the international community. In this committee, we will be discussing the environmental implications surrounding the fashion industry: a prevalent issue particularly with the rise of fast fashion. Our second topic will focus on the rising pollution levels in oceans. It is paramount we address the changing climate, as every day we grow closer to the point of no return. Alongside my Chair, Naiomi Chin, and Assistant Director, Marcus Lai, we hope this weekend will be memorable and filled with fruitful debate. We pledge to do our best to assist you on your diplomatic journey. If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to send an email to unep@cahsmun.org. Godspeed, Nick Liu UNEP Director—CAHSMUN 2021
Topic Overview From the regulation of the global climate to sustaining all of marine life, the ocean has always been a crucial resource for all ecosystems and organisms. Given its versatility and its plethora of resources, it is unsurprising that humans relentlessly exploit this valuable resource. When looking at the life cycle of any object, one would inevitably find the ocean affecting any object’s creation or the materials it was crafted from, both directly and indirectly. Unlike previous generations, the way that the ocean is being used has drastically changed, as the sea is closely tied to technologically advancing industries. 88 million fish are caught each year to provide 16 percent of the world’s protein, while 11 billion tons of products are shipped around through the ocean’s waterways.1 Additionally, the ocean is vital to the mining, tourism, and travel industries. These complex connections with robust and money-driven industries have led humans to exploit this natural resource. Until recently, the ocean was thought to be so vast and endless that all negative impacts from dumped trash and manmade chemicals could be considered negligible.2 In the current decade, to see the ramifications of the ocean’s exploitation, one needs to look no further than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean which now triples the area of France, extending over 1.6 million square kilometres.3 The immense pollution in the ocean begs the question of how humanity exploited the sea to this point. A brief answer would be that air and water pollution has increased as technology has developed and become more efficient. In reality, the problem covers such a wide geopolitical landscape that only a huge global movement could start any visible change. The demand from consumers for more materialistic goods has led to the invention of single-use plastics, as well as a surge in ‘cheap fashion.’ This capitalist mindset alongside a rapidly growing population has led to an unprecedented increase in the production of goods. An unexpected byproduct of the rise in production is the effects of corner-cutting in each industries’ path to development. Whether it be cheap single-use products or out-of-sight out- of-mind waste disposal, there is a wide range of corner-cutting in favour of rapid development. On the whole, the largest contributors to ocean pollution are chemical, noise, and land pollution, as well as ocean dumping. Unsurprisingly, a majority of these harmful impacts come from sources on land, including common marine debris, such as cigarette butts and food wrapping, and use of automobiles. 1 https://marinebio.org/conservation/ocean-dumping/ocean-resources/ 2 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/oceans/critical-issues-marine-pollution/ 3 https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/23/world/plastic-great-pacific-garbage-patch-intl/index.html
Waste, including plastics, household waste, and industrial waste, cause extreme damage to wildlife and marine ecosystems. Marine animals are constantly in danger because plastics that are mistaken as food can be ingested by wildlife, causing slow, painful deaths. Moreover, the damages are more severe due to ocean acidification, a process that has put massive amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide reacts with ions within the ocean to make the water more acidic, significantly lowering the amount of carbonic ions. Given that carbonic ions are the main component of many oceanic structures, such as coral reefs and seashells, an increase in acid in the ocean means that an essential ingredient for preserving a lively ecosystem of the sea is lost. The causes and effects of ocean pollution are widespread, which ultimately requires the UNEP to create comprehensive solutions for the long-term preservation of the oceans. Timeline Late 1960s - A report on the ingestion of plastics by Laysan Albatrossesis—a seabird species— is published by South African researcher Peter G. Ryan, detailing the first signs of interaction between marine organisms and anthropogenic waste.4 June 1972 - The “Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972,” also known as the “London Convention,” is drafted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations specialized agency, as one of the first international agreements to protect the marine environment from pollution.5 November 8, 1996 - The London Protocol is adopted by the IMO as an extension of the previous London Convention, but is only actualized in 2006. The objective of this stand-alone treaty is to create specific guidelines as to what materials can be dumped and how they should be disposed of.6 December 10, 1999 - The Basel Convention—a protocol to ensure that transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal are safely handled—is passed by the UNEP.7 4 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-16510-3_1#citeas 5 http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/LCLP/Pages/default.aspx 6 https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/international-affairs/partnerships- organizations/london-protocol-prevention-marine-pollution.html 7 https://www.basel.int/Portals/4/Basel%20Convention/docs/text/BaselConventionText-e.pdf
May 15, 2009 - The Hong Kong Convention is passed by the IMO, marking a significant step
towards ensuring that ships are recycled in a safe and responsible manner at the end of their
operational lives.8
April 20, 2010 - An explosion in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig off the Gulf of Mexico causes
the largest marine oil spill in history, with just under 5 million barrels of oil leaking into the
gulf.9
January 2016 - The Seabin Project, founded in 2015, gains funding to research and develop
the Seabin, a pumped power bucket and filtration system designed to suck debris and oil out
of the sea.10
April 20, 2018 - Greenpeace, a non-governmental organization (NGO), is backed by over
1,100 organization in its campaign “Million Acts of Blue,” which urges governments to
restrict plastic pollution.11
September 8, 2018 - The Ocean Cleanup project, an NGO, is launched with the aim to clean
up 50 percent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the next five years.12
January 2019 - The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) teams up with UNEP to begin a project to
expand the potential uses of wastewater.13
May 10, 2019 - 186 countries in the Basel Convention agree on a legally binding landmark
deal to stop plastic waste from ending up in the sea.14
8
http://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/The-Hong-Kong-International-Convention-
for-the-Safe-and-Environmentally-Sound-Recycling-of-Ships.aspx
9
https://www.britannica.com/event/Deepwater-Horizon-oil-spill
10
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/inventions-that-clean-the-ocean_n_5938be94e4b0b13f2c66ee01?ri18n=true
11
https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/oceans/preventing-plastic-pollution/
12
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffkart/2018/08/28/the-ocean-cleanup-is-starting-aims-to-cut-garbage-patch-by-90-
by-2040/#73347526253e
13
https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/oceans-seas/what-we-do/addressing-land-based-pollution
14
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-environment-plastic/u-n-clinches-deal-to-stop-plastic-waste-ending-up-in-the-
sea-idUSKCN1SG19SHistorical Analysis While ocean pollution is a seemingly new issue, it has been a problem for longer than most people think. Early forms of water pollution were attributed to issues related to hygiene, as most cities did not have adequate sewage systems. As a result, many diseases flourished under these poor conditions.15 To combat this type of pollution, Chicago built the US’s first wastewater treatment plant in the mid 1850s, and the rest of the cities in America followed suit. These treatment plants allowed civilians to live in more sanitary environments, encouraging people to move to urban neighbourhoods. In Asian countries such as China, water pollution incentivized the use of kettles—individuals were forced to boil their water before it was safe to drink.16 Rapid urbanization was a part of what led to the Industrial Revolution, a period which saw the introduction of chemical pollution. Industrial chemicals and wastes, including sulfuric acid, soda ash, dyes, and wood pulp, were dumped into waterways with no regards for consequences. Likely a result of a lack of knowledge about the long-term consequences of pollution, the industrial revolution was exclusively focused on growth and tended to disregard the environment. In Ohio’s Cuyahoga River, chemical pollution became so severe to the point that the river spontaneously combusted.17 The United States government attempted to stop this detrimental behaviour by enacting the Clean Water Act—a federal law that aimed to restore the integrity of the United States’ water supply. However, just like in many other countries, this type of regulation was not very effective, as in 2006, over 62 percent of facilities around the United States exceeded the maximum amount of chemicals allowed by the act.18 The unprocessed sewage was not only a problem for clean drinking water, but also for the health of ocean animals. The sewage runoff carried heavy metals such as copper and lead, which, when consumed at high levels by humans, can be poisonous.19 This has led to diseases such as the Minamata Disease, a central nervous system disease which originated after a Japanese industry dumped mercury solution into nearby bodies of water.20 This caused severe mercury bioaccumulation in shellfish which, upon human consumption, would cause mercury poisoning in consumers. The inadequate disposal of chemical pollution not only devastates the marine ecosystems it comes in contact with, but also harms any organism that is even remotely linked to the marine ecosystem through the food web. For instance, 15 https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/02history.html 16 https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP7124 17 https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/water-and-air-pollution 18 Ibid. 19 Ibid. 20 http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Po-Re/Pollution-of-the-Ocean-by-Sewage-Nutrients-and-Chemicals.html
microplastics consumed by krill eventually finds itself in the belly of larger fish, which, in turn,
may be consumed by humans. The stories of the Cuyahoga River or the Japanese citizens
plagued by the Minamata disease should not be viewed through a singular lens—there were
similar occurrences around the world during this time period. In that sense, view these
examples as a microcosm of the larger environmental impact the Industrial Revolution had on
the world’s oceans.
Along with the increased amount of chemical waste, the Industrial Revolution experienced
unprecedented levels of air pollution. A landmark study from 1929 proved a link between
carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) in the ocean and populations of marine life.21 This
study laid the foundation for research into ocean acidification, which is the change in an
ocean’s pH level due to an increase in CO2 in the air, creating carbonic acid. This change in
pH level is devastating to organisms within the oceans, particularly coral reefs which are
unable to form as a result of the acidification. Indeed, it is estimated that by 2080, oceans will
be so acidic that healthy coral will erode faster than they can rebuild.22 This type of
catastrophic rise in carbon dioxide has happened in the past, before human civilization even
began. In the Permo-Triassic (P-T) boundary, approximately 252 million years ago, most of
Earth’s biodiversity was wiped out. During this period, rapid releases of volcanic CO2 were
released into the air, resulting in a mass extinction of most marine life that had calcified shells
and skeletons.23 Studies into these time periods offer humanity a lens on what catastrophic
impacts could follow unchecked ocean acidification.
Human-made Waste Products
As technology continues to advance, plastics and human-made waste products become more
common. One area of concern is the rise of microplastics in fashion products. Since their
introduction into the cosmetics industry over 50 years ago, microplastics and their subsequent
detriments have yet to be adequately addressed by governments.24 Additionally, in response to
the growing service industry, scientists have been able to create more technologically
advanced plastics. As a result, entire industries have shifted to single-use synthetic polymers
products, such as straws and containers. Their low density, high durability, and great barrier
properties make them an inexpensive and ideal pick for industries looking to pump out cheap
products. However, these single-use plastics’ low density makes it easy for wind and water to
21
https://www.biogeosciences.net/10/7411/2013/bg-10-7411-2013.pdf
22
https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/invertebrates/ocean-acidification
23
Ibid.
24
http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/21754/PlasticinCosmetics2015Factsheet.pdf?sequence=1&i
sAllowed=ydisperse them, even to the most remote areas on the planet.25 The current environmental situation results from decades of government ignorance and lack of enforcement. To that end, many of these industries have yet to be held accountable, as implementation and enforcement of environmentally-friendly policies often come with high financial costs. As well, election-focused politicians tend to prioritize economic prosperity and job development over environmental sustainability, in hopes of appealing to their constituents and maintaining political power. Simply given the nature of politics, politicians are at a difficult cross-road between maintaining electoral support and creating meaningful environmental policy. As a result, environmentally sound solutions have been widely ignored in policymaking. One reason for this perspective may be the lack of short term change environmental projects show. Given the nature of environment-based policies, politicians and constituents are unlikely to see tangible results in a short timeframe. In that sense, it appears that government policies are either ineffective or non-existent. Furthermore, in many countries that allow campaign funding, many of the companies that use microplastics are avid funders and endorsers of certain politicians. This makes it so these politicians will only receive funding from these sponsors if they yield to their policy and agenda. While all perfectly legal, these ulterior incentives have proven to act as structural barriers to environment-based discussion in political history. Although environmental policies have grown popular in political debate, more progress is needed to shape current dialogues into action. The long- standing history of environmental negligence in politics is beginning to take tangible form with modern-day ocean pollution. Current Situation Chemical Pollution Over 100,000 different chemicals are used commercially, many of which enter the marine ecosystem through waterways or direct disposal.26 From the production of children’s toys to the use of fertilizers in agriculture, it is quite clear that the use of chemicals has become more and more prevalent. Many of these pollutants enter the marine food chain, passing between predator and prey until the chemicals reach toxic levels.27 In terms of polluting the ocean, three chemicals are of particular concern: persistent organic pollutants, toxic metals, and oils. 25 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-16510-3_1 26 http://www.oceanhealthindex.org/methodology/components/chemical-pollution 27 https://ypte.org.uk/factsheets/sea-pollution/chemical-pollution
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) refer to toxic chemical compounds that are often found
in pesticides, herbicides, and bisphenol A (BPA), a material in many plastic bottle designs.28
These chemicals are especially dangerous due to their potential to bioaccumulate—the process
by which POPs accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms—in various ecosystems, as
well as their harmful properties to humans.29 For instance, exposure to these POPs have been
known to cause various illnesses in humans, including disruptions to the nervous,
reproductive, and immune systems in humans, in addition to cancer and declines in
neurological functions. Furthermore, some POPs may even lead to increased risk of chronic
diseases, including hypertension and diabetes.30 Given that POPs are a byproduct of many
consumer products, humans are often exposed to these dangerous chemicals. That said, more
than 90 percent of human exposure to POPs is through food such as wild fish and shellfish.31
A study testing the impacts of bioaccumulation in Lake Michigan noted a strong presence of
contaminated organisms. This study also reported that pregnant women who had eaten a
considerable amount of contaminated fish gave birth to children with noticeably lower birth
weights and shorter attention spans.32
The second chemicals of concern are toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead.
Some of these metals are directly dumped into the ocean, while others are integrated into the
production products such as plastic. Recent studies have demonstrated that the amount of
toxic metals released into the ocean is directly related to the amount of time plastics are left in
the water.33 This is due to the growth of biofilms, a collection of microorganisms that form
when plastics degrade over time. These biofilms latch onto pieces of metal and break them
down into smaller and smaller pieces. In other words, the longer plastics are left in the water,
the more biofilms grow, and the more toxic heavy metals are released into the waters.
The third major chemical of concern is oil. Contrary to popular belief, some oils appear
naturally in the ocean; in fact, 47 percent of the ocean’s oil is natural, deriving from natural oil
seeps and marine plants.34 However, when large concentrations of oil are released in a small
area, new environmental issues emerge. For example, oil spills and oil pollution hinder the
long-term sustainability of all species in the region, essentially creating a dead zone for
organisms. One instance was the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which spilled an upwards of
28
Ibid.
29
https://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/chemical-risks/pops/en/
30
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21714383
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.
33
https://deeply.thenewhumanitarian.org/oceans/articles/2018/04/02/tracking-ocean-plastic-pollution-from-space
34
https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/03/heavy-metal-the-new-toxic-danger-posed-by-ocean-
plastic-trash200 million gallons of oil. As a result of this spill, more than 82,000 birds, 25,900 marine
animals, and over 500 species of fish were harmed.35 Although the number of oil spills has
decreased in the past decade, each of these spills still cause significant damage to local wildlife.
Light and Noise Pollution
A common misconception of marine pollution is that it harms wildlife solely on the
macroscopic level, such as through oil spills or plastic. However, a lot of pollution is very
subtle, yet still as dangerous, notably light and noise pollution. Many species of marine life are
very sensitive to noise as they utilize it for basic life functions, such as echolocation.36 This
fact, coupled with the increased distance that sound travels in water in comparison to air,
makes any disruptive noises in the water a potential hazard. There are multiple forms of
sound pollution, ranging from operational noises from ships, to the recreational use of jet skis.
One particularly dangerous type of noise pollution is underwater seismic testing, a method
used to search for oil and resources underneath the ocean.37 Within this process, a loud blast
of sound is shot at the ocean floor to map data about its layers. These seismic waves can drive
nearby marine life into confusion, hinder their navigational ability, or even fatally reduce their
ability to feed. Although not as harmful as noise pollution, light pollution also impacts marine
life, as it forces marine life to adapt to new circadian rhythms, and thus prompts animals to
change the way they hunt and live their lives. This constant disruption in animals’ lives
interfere with their essential activities, such as reproductive processes.
Air Pollution
Given the interconnected nature of ecosystems, even the air pollution caused by humans on
land can greatly change the composition of the ocean. Fish are now finding it harder to
breathe with the diminishing oxygen in waters, and scientists are reporting increased sightings
of brightly glowing corals—an indication that the coral will soon die.38 As a result of carbon
dioxide emissions being absorbed into the ocean, fish are being forced to travel towards the
surface in search of oxygen-rich water. For reference, around 70% of carbon emissions will
end up in the oceans.39 The consequences are notable, as travelling to shallower water places
35
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/energy/dirty_energy_development/oil_and_gas/gulf_oil
_spill/a_deadly_toll.html
36
https://www.marineinsight.com/environment/effects-of-noise-pollution-from-ships-on-marine-life/
37
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/fact-sheets/2015/09/the-effects-of-underwater-noise-on-
marine-life
38
https://medium.com/@richard.vevers/revealing-the-oceans-warning-in-glowing-color-
b758618e7570#:~:text=In%20a%20desperate%20attempt%20to,protect%20themselves%20from%20the%20heat.
39
https://www.maritime-executive.com/features/ocean-storage-of-
co2#:~:text=Carbon%20dioxide%20is%20naturally%20stored,wind%2Dup%20in%20the%20ocean.fish at greater risk of being hunted by predators—this unnatural change to the food chain
could prove disastrous.40 Similarly, corals glow fluorescently in a final attempt to protect
themselves from the warming oceans, which are caused by excess heat from the air and
atmosphere, thus prompting an increase in sea temperatures. The rise in sea temperatures is
likely due to an increase of atmospheric nitrogen in the past few decades.41 Nitrogen has
always been an essential part of growth in all organisms; however, having it in excess may just
as well cause problems. Researchers from Penn State University discovered that too much
nitrogen can cause an extreme burst of organism growth in plants and algae, which may
deplete oxygen levels when they decompose.42 Thus, less available oxygen makes it more
difficult for animals to intake the amount of oxygen necessary for survival. Furthermore, air
pollution also increases the acidity in an area, causing what is known as an “acid shock.”43 This
phenomenon is caused when pollution from cars and industrial sites release acidic pollution
into the air, which then transforms into acid precipitate. This precipitate often forms as snow
or rain and may cause dramatic shifts in the acidity levels in nearby bodies of water. This is
particularly lethal for marine organisms in the springtime, when snow melts into nearby
streams and leads to acid build-up in bodies of water.
Plastic Pollution
By far one of the most visible types of pollution is plastic pollution. Over 300 million tons of
plastic is produced on a yearly basis and at least eight million tons end up in the ocean.44 One
of the largest culprits are single-use plastics, which are produced for their cheap cost and
simplicity. However, just like light and noise pollution, the most deadly type of plastic
pollution is not visible to the naked eye. Single-use plastics carry a large amount of
microplastics which range in size; some are as large as a sesame seed, while others are smaller
than a nanoparticle.45 These microplastics can be traced back to larger plastics that broke
down or microbeads that have been manufactured for cosmetic products. In June 2019,
scientists found evidence that wild corals feed on these microplastics, and these organisms
seem to prefer consuming the microplastics over their regular food and diet, meaning they
take in less nutrients.46 It is still unknown as to why organisms prefer consuming
microplastics, but theories suggest that it has to do with the alluring colour and shape of
40
Ibid.
41
Ibid.
42
https://news.psu.edu/story/329095/2014/10/06/research/air-pollution-and-ocean
43
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095347424#:~:text=A%20sudden%20incre
ase%20in%20the,to%20freshwater%20species%20and%20habitats.
44
https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/marine-plastics
45
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html
46
https://phys.org/news/2019-06-coral-microplastic-natural-
food.html#:~:text=A%20team%20of%20researchers%20from,eat%20microplastics%20over%20natural%20food.microplastics. Just as harmful, many of these plastics contain pathogens such as E. coli that may be fatal to certain species.47 Although the aforementioned study only analyzed the coral reefs of Rhode Island, its implications span much further than just one area. Since plastics have been introduced to the world, microplastics have been found in almost every ecosystem. International Involvement United Nations Involvement When looking at the United Nations involvement in protecting the ocean’s biodiversity, there are three primary international organs: the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) The UNEP typically intervenes through the Regional Seas Programme, which implements many of the UNEP’s plans of action and marine based policies, such as the East Asian Seas Action Plan of 1981.48 Currently, the Regionals Seas Programme is the only legal framework for addressing marine degradation at a regional level. Along with the 143 countries that participate in this programme, the UNEP has been able to help with ecosystem-based adaptation in countries such as Djibouti and Tanzania to minimize the effects of rising sea levels and polluted waters on local populations.49 Furthermore, the UNEP works with its beneficiaries to carry out much needed analysis on damages to coral reefs and other marine organisms. In addition to this programme, the UNEP also established the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA). The GPA, holding a meeting every five years, is the only plan that addresses the link between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The GPA’s most recent meeting in 2018 demonstrated their resourcefulness in assisting regional governmental bodies in implementing key environmental preservation projects. These projects include wastewater management projects in the Philippines and Ghana, which have generally been successful.50 That said, with increased funding and financial resources these programs could further support countries. 47 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/06/these-corals-choose-to-eat-plastic-over-food/ 48 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=7399 49 Ibid. 50 Ibid.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO aids the fight against marine pollution through the Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO). As the only organ for oceanic science within
UNESCO, this international body carries out a large number of research projects to develop
an in-depth knowledge base to create effective warning systems and sustainable ocean
ecosystems. Through this research, they wish to learn the tipping points for marine
ecosystems, as well as the most effective methods to reduce risks to humans and marine life.51
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The last UN body that addresses marine pollution is the International Maritime Organization
(IMO). The IMO is a key UN specialized agency with the power and responsibility to create
international maritime laws regarding the shipping industry. Under this body, the London
Convention was created. The London Convention was one of the first global conventions to
limit human activity for the sake of marine life and health.52 One of the Convention’s major
successes was modernizing waste disposal at sea to protect marine life.53 Newer amendments
have now produced specific guidelines which contain step by step procedures for countries to
evaluate and dispose of waste.54
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and Company Involvement
In addition to UN intervention, many non-governmental organizations have emerged to
tackle the ever growing issue of ocean pollution. One of these major organizations is the
Ocean Cleanup project. Since its inception, this project has tested and manufactured a 600
metre-long free floating boon in an attempt to capture debris from the Great Pacific Garbage
Patch.55 Although this design broke down after the first use, a new prototype is being
developed, with the hopes of removing half of the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
within the next 5 years.56 For context, the Ocean Cleanup project estimates being able to
remove 90% of the ocean’s plastic by 2040. In addition to NGOs, some for-profit companies
have now jumped onto this environmentally safe mentality and have taken up their own
initiatives. Recently, Adidas partnered with Parley for the Oceans (an organization that
supports ocean protection through creative industries) to create footwear completely made
51
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000228221
52
http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/LCLP/Pages/default.aspx
53
https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/ocean-dumping-international-treaties
54
Ibid.
55
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/03/ocean-cleanup-device-successfully-collects-plastic-for-
first-time
56
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/great-pacific-garbage-patch-20m-cleanup-fails-to-collect-
plasticfrom recycled plastic collected from local beaches and communities.57 These types of company-based environmental business models provide average consumers to learn more about marine pollution. Possible Solutions Shifting Public Focus Consumers have always been led to think that their contributions to global waste are the primary cause of global unsustainability. In reality, as long as single-use products are being mass-produced by corporations and other forms of pollution continue to go unnoticed by policymakers, there will be a steady increase in ocean pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to pressure companies into recognizing their onuses in this issue and make them change their business models. Such changes could include governments and corporations issuing reports of environmental damages every financial quarter, or annual reports as to what these companies’ progress with combatting ocean pollution. With the digital world taking hold of the international population, online campaigning through social media can promote dialogue and policy changes. Such campaigns can take form in hashtags or videos, on various platforms including Facebook and Twitter. While social media campaigns are a significant step towards raising awareness around the issue, it is important to note the accessibility of such campaigns—especially in areas where social media is less commonly used. With this being the case, delegates are encouraged to explore other ways in which awareness and change can be spread. Carbon Tax Another solution countries can consider is establishing stricter environmental laws or regulations, such as a carbon tax. For example, Canada has implemented carbon quotas in order to reduce emission waste. Canadian companies that exceed emission limits are required to pay a fine or even buy carbon credits which are awarded to the greenest companies.58 Specifically in British Columbia, the carbon tax was able to reduce the use of natural gas and gasoline by seven percent per person.59 For these quotas to work effectively globally, they will have to be implemented on a wider scale with a simple yet comprehensive set of rules for companies to follow. While successful in Canada, the carbon tax has remained an area of 57 https://www.adidas.ca/en/sustainability-parley-ocean-plastic 58 Ibid. 59 https://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2016/data/papers/9_49.pdf
contention for other countries like the United States. Critics argue that such a tax barely impacts transportation industries and must be set higher in order to incite macroscopic change and disincentivize corporations from simply paying the fines.60 Stricter Environmental Regulations Given that governments have turned a blind eye to environmental concerns until recently, it is crucial for policymakers to promote stricter regulations on industries contributing to ocean pollution. The carbon tax, as mentioned above, is a prime example of a strict regulation on the operations of current industries. Additionally, it is important to limit the fishing industry to a sustainable level in order to conserve and potentially restore coastal lands and habitats. In this regard, the expansion of marine protected areas and marine refuges are particularly promising solutions.61 These areas put various levels of restriction on the types of permitted activities in order to ensure a functional and sustainable ecosystem. Overall, governments should look to tighten current environmental regulations and put more financial resources into environmental efforts. One major concern, however, is that corporations may simply move their industries into developing countries, where there tends to be little to no environmental regulations. This moves the company’s activities beyond the jurisdiction of the countries they still sell in, therefore making it very difficult for individual countries to create laws and regulations that are environmentally sound. These regulatory frameworks must be enforced properly and thoroughly; it is important that governments set these regulations as their top priority, rather than bend it in favour of corporate lobby efforts. However, directly opposing these companies by controlling their choices may not work and could harm the global economy; therefore, it may be more effective to work with the corporations and incentivize them through tax cuts and other financial incentives. Implementation of New Technologies As consumer goods are produced more and more efficiently, it is crucial that the technologies keeping the environment clean advance as well. However, the funding to these projects are often limited, as they are crowdfunded projects started by individuals who are dedicated to 60 https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/7/20/17584376/carbon-tax-congress-republicans-cost- economy 61 http://www.wwf.ca/conservation/oceans/marine_protected_areas/
protecting the environment. As a result, many of these projects fail and are never tested or
developed, although the idea behind them may prove revolutionary. When these ideas are well
funded and certified, the results could be groundbreaking—as is the case with the discovery of
Plaxx. A process known as pyrolysis was used to create a low-sulphur hydrocarbon wax which
can be used as oil to make new plastics. This breakthrough would potentially allow for
previously unrecyclable plastics to be renewed and reused.62 Inventions and innovations such
as these are critical; however, two main requirements must be met to implement these
technologies. Firstly, there would need to be significant investment either from crowdfunding
campaigns, government subsidies, or private investors. Secondly, there must be enough
incentive for companies or individuals to adopt these new technologies, whether it be
monetary or otherwise.
Prevention of Ocean Acidification - Climate Engineering
There is no single solution to the changing PH levels in the ocean. However, some new
methods and discoveries have shown promise in slowing the impacts of the acidification.
There have been exciting developments in the field of geo-engineering, which is the process of
intervening in the Earth’s climate system. A study from Oregon State University
demonstrated that certain types of sea plants, specifically kelps and seagrasses, make life easier
for local marine life.63 To illustrate, the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program discovered
that seagrass beds near a coral reef in the Florida Keys were producing aragonite which, unlike
the dying nearby reefs, gave the coral the chance to grow.64 Just like how trees take carbon
dioxide out of the atmosphere to allow for humans to breath, a similar concept can be applied
underwater to ocean acidification and sea plants. Although geo-engineering is a promising
development, it is only a means to provide more time to create large-scale changes. According
to research published by Nature Climate Change, large scale manipulation of the Earth’s
climate through geo-engineering is both unproven and potentially dangerous.65 Conclusively,
the only real solution to the changing ocean acidification is to reduce emissions.
Reducing Noise and Light Pollution
Once again, there is not one blanket solution to solve light and noise pollution in the ocean.
Rather, solutions should entail improvements to all industries that work directly in the ocean
or produce light and sound that affect nearby bodies of water. For noise pollution,
62
https://recyclingtechnologies.co.uk/2018/11/recycling-technologies-returns-to-crowdfunding-to-launch-its-rt7000-
a-revolution-in-plastics-recycling/
63
https://e360.yale.edu/features/kelp_seagrass_slow_ocean_acidification_netarts
64
Ibid.
65
https://www.carbonbrief.org/geoengineering-carries-large-risks-for-natural-world-studies-showenvironmental policies fall into two categories: command-and-control (CAC) and incentive-
based measures (IBM).66 Governments may opt to set limits to the amount of noise (CAC) or
offer monetary or resource incentives for companies to reduce their noise pollution (IBM).
Solutions may vary in each industry; for instance, reducing noise from shipping vessels may
look like vibrationally isolating machinery or reducing vessel speed, while minimizing noise in
offshore wind farms might involve acoustic barriers or installing fewer but larger turbines.
Light pollution proves to be a more widespread problem as it is impossible to pinpoint specific
sources—almost everything causes some sort of light pollution. In order to reduce light at
night, there must be a societal shift towards environmentally friendly light sources, such as
LED lighting and warm coloured light bulbs. Due to the variety of potential solutions,
governments should look to generally incentivize companies to make their own
environmental adjustments, as governmental institutions do not have the time nor resources
to individually address each industry.
Bloc Positions
When researching country stances, it is highly recommended to look for a country’s
involvement in specific marine-based industries. Some countries may have many operations
based in marine agriculture and shipping, while others may be primarily focused on mining
and tourism. Each country has its own set of challenges, whether they are geographical or
political.
Asia
Most physical waste comes from countries that produce the majority of the world’s consumer
goods. Countries in Asia, most prominently China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and
Thailand, have discarded massive amounts of plastic into the oceans as a result of their
involvement in manufacturing.67 In fact, as of 2017, these countries discard more plastic into
the oceans than the rest of the world combined.68 The majority of this plastic pollution can be
attributed to lackluster disposal infrastructure—that is, improper waste management. As such,
the coastal population of China discarded 8.82 million metric tons of plastic waste into the
ocean annually.69
66
https://faunalytics.org/reducing-underwater-noise-pollution-policy-options/
67
https://www.wsj.com/articles/which-countries-create-the-most-ocean-trash-1423767676
68
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahleung/2018/04/21/five-asian-countries-dump-more-plastic-than-anyone-else-
combined-how-you-can-help/#c24838912349
69
https://www.wsj.com/articles/which-countries-create-the-most-ocean-trash-1423767676The UNEP would support the Asian bloc seeking methods to reduce plastic production, even
at the expense of increasing production costs. That said, many Asian nations have
traditionally prioritize economic viability over the environment. As such, it is important for
nations in this bloc to consider the balance between sustainability and economic success.
Furthermore, this bloc should advocate for methods of increasing recycling infrastructure. A
potential solution has already been piloted by China—the use of colour-sorted waste disposal
containers.70 This “civic-mindedness” based model of waste disposal may appear good on
paper, but Chinese civilians are still hesitant to put in the effort or even trust this new system,
as these types of sorting systems have not been widely tested in Asia before.
Countries with Consumer Based Economies
Countries in this bloc, such as the United States of America and Japan, are often in very good
financial standing, as their economies mainly operate on consumerism. For instance,
consumer spending made up 68 percent of the USA's GDP in 2019.71 Consequently,
consumers are the most important actor to address when attempting to find a solution to
marine pollution in these countries. Although companies have been large contributors to the
problem, consumers still play an active role, so legislation involving both are necessary. While
these countries strive to be environmentally conscious, their extensive consumer base forces
their labour-based industries to cut corners and consequently produce large amounts of waste.
Therefore, these countries should look to educating civilians on where their products come
from and raise awareness around the impact of their production and consumption.
The European Union (EU)
The EU has an impressive track record when it comes to waste water management. The
United Kingdom, Germany, and Luxembourg, among other European countries, scored over
99 out of 100 points on the Environmental Performance Index.72 The EU’s strict directives for
its member states have paid off and should be regarded as an international goal for
sustainability. Countries in the EU are mostly in stable financial standing and in a good
position to invest in new, innovative solutions to ocean pollution. That said, some nations,
usually in Eastern Europe, are more reliant on fossil fuels and should focus on more basic
forms of environmental policy. The more financially stable countries should address more
complex problems, such as light and noise pollution, while still looking to reduce the plastic in
the Mediterranean sea.
70
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/shanghai-trash-sorting-china-
plastic_n_5d35fc12e4b020cd99478d8b?ri18n=true
71
https://www.thebalance.com/consumer-spending-trends-and-current-statistics-3305916
72
https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-report-2018/chapter-13-water-resources/40-resultsDeveloping Nations
A common perception is that developing nations simply face the detrimental effects of
wealthy nations’ pollution. While this is true to an extent, given that wealthy nations are the
largest proprietors of climate change, many developing nations contribute to global pollution.
There are two main mechanisms for this occurrence: economic development and lackluster
environmental policies. Similar to the industrial revolution’s environmental effects, as
developing nations seek to develop infrastructure, they tend to harm the environment in the
process. Initial economic development tends to be quite wasteful, with extensive use of both
fossil fuels and disposable materials. As such, while it would be environmentally beneficial for
developing countries to focus on sustainable development, it may come at the economic
detriment of the nation. International efforts and monetary support may be crucial in
alleviating the financial burden of sustainable development for developing countries. The
second challenge developing nations face is not directly tied to the government or citizens. As
discussed earlier, many multinational corporations (MNCs) have infrastructure in developing
countries. For example, factories such as Nike’s in Bangladesh, are some of the largest
contributors to developing countries’ pollution. Given the lack of environmental restrictions
placed on corporations, it may be helpful to begin developing national environmental
programs and policy. That said, it may be equally detrimental to try and limit companies'
freedom to operate. Developing countries are in the unique position of balancing economic
development and prosperity with the impacts of ocean pollution.
Discussion Questions
1. What solutions has your country implemented to address and prevent ocean
pollution? How can these regulations be expanded to encompass a more
transboundary mindset?
2. Should countries prioritize environmental protection over economic growth? If so,
which types of pollution should be addressed and restricted first?
3. What methods can be implemented to encourage companies and individuals to create
new technologies to prevent ocean dumping and/or clean the ocean up?
4. What should the average consumer do to prevent pollution at sea from worsening?
How should this information be released to the public?5. Which type of pollution (ie. light, noise, chemical) does your country produce the
most? What region-specific regulations can be imposed on those industries?
6. What are the long term impacts of continued ocean pollution? What incentives should
governments make clear in order to create change within multinational
conglomerates?
Additional Resources
A basic explanation of major types of oceanic pollution -
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/oceans/critical-issues-marine-pollution/
‘Towards a Pollution-Free Planet’ - a UNEP report on methods for preventing pollution -
http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/21800/UNEA_towardspollution_long
%20version_Web.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Previous UNEP efforts to help solve marine pollution - https://papersmart.unon.org/igr-
meeting/sites/default/files/gpa_igr4_inf3_20_years_of_gpa_final.pdf
Ocean Acidification -
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