UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP or UN Environment) is responsible for coordinating the UN's environmental activities and assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.
UNEP was founded in 1972 by Canadian businessman and philanthropist Maurice Strong, its first director, following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference).
Its mandate covers a wide range of areas, including the atmosphere, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, environmental governance, and green economic development.UNEP's activities include developing international environmental conventions; promoting environmental science and information; working with public and private stakeholders on developing and implementing policy; funding and implementing environmental development projects, such as reforestation and wetlands restoration; and formulating guidelines on issues such as the international trade in potentially harmful chemicals, transboundary air pollution, and contamination of international waterways. It also maintains a repository of scientific and environmental research.
Topic A:
Revision on the need and measures taken to control international wildlife trade
Millions of animals and plants have been harvested and exploited from their natural habitats to be traded around the world as commodities. With the notion that the Coronavirus originated from bats, it is clear that wildlife trade still lacks regulation and can ensue many threats which we are not aware of. That along with its danger to the ecosystem and biodiversity, it’s a question whether wildlife trade should even exist at all. Despite that, many countries still highly depend on wildlife trade as a source for profit. Thus, this council needs those who not only care for the wellbeing of humans, but also for our furry friends that have no voice to stand up for themselves.
Topic B:
Discussing methods to combat climate change during a pandemic
The rise of COVID-19 has averted people’s attention away from the ongoing crisis of climate change. Since everyone is staying indoors 24/7, electricity and plastic (from takeaway orders) consumption is at an all-time high. Not to mention that the increase in illegal logging and clinical waste have gone unnoticed and neglected by the general public. Delegates of UNEP will have the opportunity to brainstorm the best solutions possible to ensure that the fight against climate change still continues even when we’re confined within the walls of our homes.