World Health Organization

Topic: A

Air Pollution

WHO Topic A

Country: Bulgaria

“The risks from air pollution are now far greater than previously thought or understood, particularly for heart disease and strokes,” Dr. Maria Neira, the Director of WHO’s Department for Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health. Dr. Neira was referring to the world’s current crisis of air pollution. Air pollution is a global health risk that could result in an additional 7 million lives taken. WHO issued a report in 2014 that about 7 million of the world’s population died because of exposure to air pollution that spread throughout countries in 2012. Air pollution accounts for one- eighth of all worldwide deaths. The results from air pollution are drastic diseases such as: heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, asthma, and many more respiratory diseases. A 2014 report from WHO released the top 10 countries with the worst air pollution in the world. They are as follows: 1. Pakistan, 2.Qatar, 3.Afghanistan, 4. Bangladesh, 5. Iran, 6. Egypt, 7. Mongolia, 8. United Arab Emirates, 9. India, and 10. Bahrain (Ryan) (“7 Million Premature Deaths…”).

Bulgaria, being one of Europe’s poorest nations, has had, and continues to have, many problems with high air pollution. Statistics from 2013 reported that Bulgaria had the dirtiest air in Europe, with Poland close behind. Bulgaria has had struggles containing air pollution because families have started to rely on burning wood to heat their homes instead of other sources that are better for the environment. These families have turned to burning wood because they cannot afford other sources, forcing them to turn to low cost fuels even though they are horrible for their environment. Bulgaria is aware of the crisis and has made an effort to lower its air pollution rates. Due to Bulgaria’s weak economy and their reliance on factories and the resources that need to keep those factories running inhibits them from making any positive changes. Bulgaria’s economic struggles create money struggles in the population which leads them to create more pollution since they cannot afford a better option. Bulgaria’s neighboring countries also are currently experiencing the same issues as their population turns to low cost heating due to economic troubles (“Ambient (outdoor) Air Quality and Health”) (Presse).

Bulgaria proposes that the solution to this devastating issue is to bring in NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to help supply some people with heating sources that are not as damaging to the environment. With money and supplies given to the people who need heat sources, pollution will be reduced. The main concern that remains is the pollution that results from automobiles and factories. The pollution from automobiles and factories can only be reduced, or strongly discouraged, by strict rules and protocols that can only be enforced by the country itself. Bulgaria proposes that countries like itself, try to limit the amount of pollution that is produced from factories by pressuring those factories with regulations regarding environmental dangers.

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Works Cited

"Ambient (outdoor) Air Quality and Health." World Health Organization. WHO, Mar. 2014.

Web. 11 Feb. 2015.

Presse, Agence France. "Bulgaria Chokes on Air Pollution Fueled by Poverty." Arab News. Arab

News, 23 Feb. 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.

Ryan, Rowena. "Countries with the Worst Air Pollution Ranked by World Health Organisation."

News.com. News Limited, 28 Aug. 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.

"7 Million Premature Deaths Annually Linked to Air Pollution." World Health Organization.

World Health Organization, 25 Mar. 2014. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.

<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/air-pollution/en/>.

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Submitted by: China School: Cleveland Heights High School

The People’s Republic of China is very well acquainted with air pollution. This has become growing issue in not only our nation but around the world. However, China hosts the most air polluted city in the world and the nation as a whole is one of the most air polluted countries as well. Linfen, China’s most air polluted city and the most air polluted city on Earth, is at the heart of China’s coal belt and is polluted more and more daily as a result of industrial pollutants and automobiles. Outdoor air pollution in China causes approximately 1.2 million premature deaths and an estimated 25 million healthy years of life lost each year. China’s growing air pollution problem can be traced back to the nation’s gargantuan industrialization. Power plants, factories, and heavy industries are producing black, dirty air as a by-product to their new industry. As more and more products are being manufactured in factories, more waste is being pumped out. Little by little, the clean environment that once surrounded China is now a toxic setting that is claiming an increasing amount of lives each year. China hopes to rid the world of air pollution and make way for a cleaner and safer environment for all citizens of the country.

Although air pollution is a very prominent issue in China, the issue has spread onto a worldwide level. Countries all over the world contribute to the world’s air pollution. According to the 2014 World Health Organization report, air pollution has caused the deaths of 7 million people worldwide in 2012. Everyday people around the world emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. The amount of air pollutants being released into the air has increased greatly over the years due to increased manufacturing and increased burning of fossil fuels. Not only is this damaging to the health of humans and animals, it is also deteriorating the Earth’s ozone layer and causing an effect known as Global Warming. In 2014, the world’s largest economies made a joint announcement stating that they were willing to work together on climate change. United States President, Barack Obama aims to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 26%-28% below 2005 levels by 2025. Chinese President, Xi Jinping intends to increase the non-fossil fuel share of all energy to around 20% by 2030.

Air pollution is a worldwide issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. It will not be easy or inexpensive to solve the problem of air pollution, but it is something that needs to be done. The People’s Republic of China intends to do the following: better the health of civilians by cutting down on the amount of air pollutants and greenhouse gases being released into Earth’s atmosphere; promote and increase the usage of renewable resources; and work with other nations in hopes of finding a permanent solution to the world’s environmental and health issues dealing with air pollution. China wishes for full cooperation with the international community to better the health and lives of our current and future generations.

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Works Cited

"FACT SHEET: U.S.-China Joint Announcement on Climate Change and Clean Energy Cooperation." The White House. N.p., 11 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.

Wong, Edward. "China’s Climate Change Plan Raises Questions." The New York Times. N.p., 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 Jan. 2015.

"15 of the Most Toxic Places to Live: Linfen, China." MNN. Mother Nature Network, n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.

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Submitted by: Costa Rica School: Lincoln West H.S.

Costa Rica is an ecological treasure house, with the greatest density of species in the world. While Costa Rica has less than 0.1 percent of the world's landmass, it is home to five percent of its species. The nation protects its bountiful biodiversity by preserving 25 percent of its landmass in national parks. (Costa Rica is also the only country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.)

Eco-tourism and research funds are vitally important to Costa Rica's economy, so the encroachments of air pollution and other forms of environmental destruction are of great concern. Costa Rica's government pursues a foreign investment strategy that emphasizes industries with little or no air pollution emissions such as pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, and software development.

Costa Rica is "well ventilated". Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on its long east and west sides, with over 1,400 miles of coastline, Costa Rica enjoys highly favorable natural air pollution control in the form of cleansing sea winds.

Costa Rica has long enjoyed a relatively low rate of air pollution emissions. Per capita CO2 emissions, for example, have been about one-third that of the Central American/Caribbean population and roughly 20 percent that of the world's population since 1950. But per capita figures conceal the fact that Costa Rica's CO2 annual emissions have risen nearly twelve-fold since 1960.

Trees absorb CO2, and Costa Rica's rain forests are among its national treasures. Deforestation of rain forests has slowed considerably thanks to government regulation. In 1996, reforestation was approximately three times the rate of deforestation (21,738 hectares vs. 7,000 hectares).

Non-CO2 air pollution has grown, too. In 1995, Costa Rica generated 26,000 metric tons of sulfur dioxide; 75,000 of nitrogen oxide; 658,000 of carbon monoxide; and 78,000 of non-methane volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Transportation generated 59 percent of Costa Rica's CO2 emissions in 1999, followed by manufacturing and construction (15 percent); public electricity and heat production (3 percent); and residential heating and cooking sources (2 percent). To control automobile emissions, Costa Rica has mandated emissions testing, catalytic

WHO Topic A

converters on news cars, lead-free gasoline, and development of electric vehicles through its Asociación Promotora de Vehículos Eléctricos.

Indoor air pollution in Costa Rica comes mainly from wood burning stoves used for cooking. Studies conducted by E. Park and R. Lee of the University of California, Davis campus, found that women and children were exposed to extremely high levels of particulate matter during cooking periods, although 24-hour average exposure levels were lower than National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The phrase, "Pura Vida", literally "Pure Life", is a common motto in Costa Rica. This tiny Central American nation's commitment to preserving its natural wonders sets an example for the rest of the world. Presently air pollution in Costa Rica isn't too bad, and hopefully they'll take care to keep their air quality high.

Costa Rica is an ecological treasure house, with the greatest density of species in the world. While Costa Rica has less than 0.1 percent of the world's landmass, it is home to five percent of its species. The nation protects its bountiful biodiversity by preserving 25 percent of its landmass in national parks. (Costa Rica is also the only country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.)

Eco-tourism and research funds are vitally important to Costa Rica's economy, so the encroachments of air pollution and other forms of environmental destruction are of great concern. Costa Rica's government pursues a foreign investment strategy that emphasizes industries with little or no air pollution emissions such as pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, and software development.

Costa Rica is "well ventilated". Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on its long east and west sides, with over 1,400 miles of coastline, Costa Rica enjoys highly favorable natural air pollution control in the form of cleansing sea winds.

Costa Rica has long enjoyed a relatively low rate of air pollution emissions. Per capita CO2 emissions, for example, have been about one-third that of the Central American/Caribbean population and roughly 20 percent that of the world's population since 1950. But per capita figures conceal the fact that Costa Rica's CO2 annual emissions have risen nearly twelve-fold since 1960.

Trees absorb CO2, and Costa Rica's rain forests are among its national treasures. Deforestation of rain forests has slowed considerably thanks to

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government regulation. In 1996, reforestation was approximately three times the rate of deforestation (21,738 hectares vs. 7,000 hectares).

Non-CO2 air pollution has grown, too. In 1995, Costa Rica generated 26,000 metric tons of sulfur dioxide; 75,000 of nitrogen oxide; 658,000 of carbon monoxide; and 78,000 of non-methane volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Transportation generated 59 percent of Costa Rica's CO2 emissions in 1999, followed by manufacturing and construction (15 percent); public electricity and heat production (3 percent); and residential heating and cooking sources (2 percent). To control automobile emissions, Costa Rica has mandated emissions testing, catalytic converters on news cars, lead-free gasoline, and development of electric vehicles through its Asociación Promotora de Vehículos Eléctricos.

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Submitted by: Denmark

Air is a critical resource and is of the utmost importance to the Kingdom of Denmark. In

Denmark, the Environmental Protection Agency monitors pollutants in the air in collaboration

with the National Centre for Environment and Energy (NERI). This collaboration has been in

place since 2010. The Environmental Protection Agency has signed an agreement with NERI

under which NERI is responsible for the measurements. The measured substances are sulphur

dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), nitrogen oxides, lead, particulate matter, benzene,

carbon monoxide and ozone as well as certain heavy metals. The measurements allow the

Environmental Protection Agency to keep a watch over the air quality. Limits for acceptable

levels of air pollution have been set in order to protect the population from the dangerous effects

of pollution on health. Denmark meets the limit values for most substances, however extra effort

is required with regard to particles and NO 2 . Measurements are taken in the Copenhagen area,

Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg and at several measuring stations outside the cities. Danish

requirements for air quality are all based on provisions adopted by the EU. As new provisions

are made, Danish legislation will be adapted accordingly. The latest version of Danish

regulations is the Statutory Order on target and limit values for the level of certain air pollutants.

Regulations were last updated in 2010, when new rules were adopted by the EU.

There are many ways in which we as a nation wish to further improve the condition of

pollution in our air. One way is through shipping emissions. Ships must emit fewer hazardous

substances to the air. Therefore the Environmental Protection Agency is working to ensure

compliance with the stringent international regulation on air pollution from ships. The rules of

the IMO will lead to a drastic decrease in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from new ships.

From 2011 emissions had to be reduced by 15-25 % compared to the previous limits. By 2016

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the NOx-emission from new ships have to be reduced by a further 75 % compared to the present

level, when sailing in coastal NOx Emission Control Areas (NECA) – ‘low emission zones’ at

sea. Another method would be through reducing traffic emissions. The emissions from vehicles

send particles into the air that result in air pollution, particularly in towns and cities. Long-term

consequences of air pollution include asthma, allergies and cancer. With European and Danish

legislations we can do much to limit pollution, resulting in clean air for everyone. By enacting

regulations to limit such emissions would help clean the air we breath and ensure a healthier

earth for not just Danish people, but all people of the world.

Ethiopia

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Overall, Ethiopia struggles with both outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution. Specifically in

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the country’s capital, outdoor air pollution is being produced by the increasing

number of cars and automobiles in the city. The emission that is released from these vehicles do not

follow correct standards set by environmental organizations in order to keep air pollution at a minimum.

Most vehicles found in the city are found to be at least and even over 20 years old. Because of age, these

automobiles produce lots of high tailpipe emission from their exhaust system. Residents living in and

around the city are beginning to experience major respiratory problems that may be fatal.

Indoor air pollution is also a huge problem Ethiopians are experiencing on the daily. Addis

Ababa, Ethiopia is the city that requires the most help and is affected most by air pollution, as it is the

capital. Statistics show that close to 95% of Ethiopia’s population burns traditional fossil fuels including

coal and wood to fuel their homes. The harmful smoke affects every resident in each home resulting in

over 50,000 deaths per year. Indoor air pollution has a worsening effect on the people that live within the

house. Because they are living indoors, they are constantly surrounded by carbon dioxide and many other

elements in the air causing numerous respiratory problems such as chronic lung disease, lung cancer, and

asthma.

Citizens in Ethiopia are constantly surrounded by air pollution within and outside of their own

homes. These people are in a situation they cannot escape unless action is taken to cut down on the

harmful exhaust released. Air pollution in Ethiopia can be reduced by taking steps to minimize the

amount of automobile emission and by replacing the biomass fuels used within Ethiopian homes. By

doing so, this would lower the annual deaths caused by air pollution drastically and make Ethiopia a safer

place not only to breathe in, but also to live comfortably and sustain good health.

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Works Cited

"Indoor air pollution in slum neighbourhoods of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia." Science Direct. N.p., n.d. Web.

18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231014000120>.

"National burden of disease due to indoor air pollution." World Health Organization. N.p., n.d. Web. 18

Feb. 2015. <http://www.who.int/indoorair/health_impacts/burden_national/en/>.

"Urban Air Pollution Caused by Automobiles in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and its Health Consequences."

Social Science Research Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

<http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2077794>.

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Germany

Air pollution is a major problem that has the potential to be very dangerous to million of

people. It can cause many respiratory problems including asthma as well as increased chances

for lung cancer due to exposure to air pollution in areas without good regulations in emissions.

Air emissions are the leading cause to global warming which is a very dangerous threat to our

world in addition to putting the lives of millions in parallel due to rising sea waters. Air pollution

is not simply and effect of the planet but it can pose a specific threat everyday to the health and

wellbeing of the general populus. Air pollution is something that should be dealt with by the

United Nations to help stop this threat that could pose health effects to billions of people.

The Republic of Germany feels that air pollution should be dealt with in a very

systematic manner to reduce air emissions, especially CO2. Germany is currently one of the

leading countries in Europe to implement green energy into our energy production which

includes wind, solar and other resources. Germany is one of the leading countries in the

European Union in regards to manufacturing and we feel that other countries should implement

policies like Germany that set limits of the amount of emissions that companies should be

allowed to produce. In addition, Germany feels that one possible solution to this problem is to

implement a UN subcommittee upon this topic which would be able to investigate and suggests

policies to specific countries on how to reduce green emissions and also provide money from

NGO’s to help the startup of policies to reduce emissions to protect public health.

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Country: Jamaica

Saving the World’s Air

Along with much of the world, Jamaica is highly concerned about the dangerously rapid increase of air pollution in the world’s air. For the past century, growth of industries, automobiles and other man-made pollutants, especially in urban areas, have been taking over the world’s fresh air. In Jamaica, the industries that contribute the most to the nation’s air pollution are: bauxite/alumina, electricity and steam generation, cement and lime manufacturing, chemical processing, and petroleum refinement (“Managing Air Pollution”). Urban Areas in Jamaica are most likely to be affected by the pollution especially in the Kingston Metropolitan Region (“Air Pollution”). After the increase of those industries, reports of increased incidents of respiratory diseases in urban areas have increased. Also, there have been increasing reports of emitted nitrogen oxide (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO) (“Managing Air Pollution”). Another major cause for the increase in Jamaican air pollutions can be attributed to the increase in automobiles on the island. In 1993, there were 171,000 motor vehicles on the island, but by 1999, the amount of vehicles more than doubled to 348,000.

Unfortunately, air quality monitoring is not routinely conducted throughout Jamaica. However, Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, is working with a Jamaican organization known as the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) to implement more air quality standards and regulations. Today in Jamaica, there are several acts and standards used to regulate air pollution. In august 1996, the Ambient Air Quality Standards Act was passed. Also, in 1996, the Vehicle Emission Standards, and the Stack Emission Standards were passed. Three years later in 1999, the Draft Ambient Air Quality and Stack Emission Regulations Act was passed to solidify the previous three laws.

Today the NEPA is working hard in Jamaica to implement new standards to conserve the purity of the air in Jamaica and of the world. Along with proposing standards/regulations to Jamaica itself, Jamaica wants to propose its automobile regulations to the United Nations. First, Jamaica recommends that all nations implement standards on automobiles to impose mandatory checks for: Leaks in exhaust systems, the presence and integrity of emission control systems, presence and integrity of fuel caps, the integrity of evaporative emission control system, and the integrity of exhaust gas recirculation system (“Air Pollution”). Jamaica also wishes to implement fines to those who harm the air quality by intentionally or unintentionally disobeying air pollution laws. In Conclusion, Jamaica believes that every nation should have mandatory air quality monitoring programs to preserve the air quality for the entire planet.

Works Cited"Air Pollution." NEPA's Role. Public Education and Community Outreach Branch, 25 Mar.

2007. Web. 31 Jan. 2015."Managing Air Pollution- National Environment and Planning Agency Plays a Key Role."

Jamaica Gleaner. Gleaner Company, 27 Apr. 2006. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.

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Submitted by: Japan School: Rocky River High School

Ever since the Meiji restoration and the country’s modernization, Japan has seen large

amounts of air pollution because of industrialization and an unrestricted energy industry during

the 1960’s. This, coupled with the large, densely populated cities of Japan, makes air pollution a

major problem in Japanese cities today.

The reason why air pollution is such a big danger is because of Dioxin and other toxins

produced by heavy industry. These toxins cause major health detriments to the people in cities

such as in the port city of Yokkaichi, where air pollution caused asthma and bronchitis in much

of the population, or when other urban centers had arsenic poisoning because of smog.  

Japan wishes to help itself and the world by facing the pollution problem directly. One

way to help improve the health of the world’s air would be to help reduce the emissions and

smog in large quickly growing nations like China, India and Pakistan. This would not only help

the respiratory health of the said countries’ people, but it would prevent its smog and pollution

from blowing into other nations via the wind. Japan would also like the U.N. to place more

regulations on the auto industry, since it one of the main contributors to air pollution.

Another problem that must be dealt with in multiple modern nations is reliance on trash

incinerators. Nearly 70% of Japan’s garbage is burned by industrial incinerators, creating huge

amounts of pollution. Japan wishes to band together with the other nations of the world to reduce

air pollution and improve the health of the world’s citizens through the help of the world’s

government and the U.N.

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Lithuania

Air pollution in Lithuania has been a problem, but today, measures are being taken to ensure emissions meet standards set by European Union directives. Much improvement in pollution levels has occurred as of late and the amount of emissions has been cut in half since 1991. Authorities of the state have taken the responsibility of working to improve environmental conditions across Lithuania and especially in the larger urban areas. Steps have been taken to more effectively sanitize public areas and construction sites which has led to major urban improvement. The Lithuanian government, through the Ministry of the Environment and the European Environment Agency, has taken an active role in reducing the amount of pollutant emissions across the country and is continuing to work to achieve a consistent level of emissions in accordance with EU pollution regulations.

As part of the European Commission’s Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution, many policies and practices have been instituted to reduce emissions in Lithuanian cities, including the capital of Vilnius. The commission’s Directive on National Emission Ceilings and the Environmental Ministry’s Ambient Air Protection Act have been introduced and Lithuanian officials have worked hard to meet their standards. In 1999 emission taxes were instituted on Sulfur Dioxide and other gases that have resulted in dramatic emission decreases. Particulate emission maximums have also been set, of which Lithuania has met on average but continues to have daily troubles in certain locations (cities including Kaunas, Klaipėda and Šiauliai) due to sand and salt for treating streets. The country’s main emission sources are the energy (comprises 60% of emissions), industrial and transportation sectors of the economy. Newer energy efficiency strategies have allowed for significant reductions in emissions from industry, but increases in vehicle traffic have kept transportation emissions high. Air pollution levels decreased majorly from the late 20th century (down to 400k tonnes in 2007 from 1 million in 1991) in Lithuania due to an economic recession but have remained low during later economic resurgence. The new pollution regulations have inhibited economic growth to a certain degree, which will require different growth strategies going into the future. But for the time being, emission policies are proving to be balanced and adequate to meet current standards. Although Lithuania has localized pollution issues, the country’s overall emission profile is low compared to others with similar economies and GDPs.

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Into the future, Lithuania is looking to eliminate sporadic issues with emission policies to preserve the health of its citizens and the environment. A switch to alternative fuels in the energy sector is being pressed with the passage of the new National Energy Strategy bill. A reduction and elimination plan for CFCs and other ozone damaging chemicals is also in the making with a planned elimination by 2015. In a broad futuristic sphere, Lithuania is extremely concerned with its air pollution levels and is looking toward new techniques and technologies to reduce it. By looking at other EU countries and acquiring help from EU organizations, Lithuania hopes to transform its economy to an adaptable, energy efficient one that’s ready to tackle the advancements of the future.

Works Cited"Air Pollution." European Environment Agency. European Environment

Agency, 26 Nov. 2010. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer/countries/lt/soertopic_view?topic=air%20pollution>.

"Air Quality Improves in Lithuania." Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania. Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, 16 Sept. 2009. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.am.lt/VI/en/VI/article.php3?article_id=224>.

"Natural Resource Aspects of Sustainable Development in Lithuania." Sustainable Development. N.p., Apr. 1997. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/lithuan/natur.htm>.

Streimikiene, Daha, and Bakhyt Esekina. "EU Pollution Reduction Strategies and Their Impact on Atmospheric Emissions in Lithuania." Taylor and Francis Online. N.p., 21 Oct. 2010. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3846/1392-8619.2008.14.162-170>.

New Zealand

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The stress on the worlds food supply has created the need for increased use of genetically

modified organisms (GMOs), the most well known being plants. These plants are typically

engineered for better crop yield, enhanced quality and nutrient composition, resistance to disease

and pests, and medicinal benefits. Other genetic modifications have allowed some plants to

flourish in areas and conditions where they would not otherwise grow. This is not limited to

plants; domesticated animals have also been modified to increase production yield by creating

animals that are continuously larger, faster to mature, and disease resistant. GMOs have also

been used in the pharmaceutical industry. An example being the human growth hormone, which

was the first protein pharmaceutical made in plants in 1986 (Phillips). With increasing global

population, massive world hunger, and a death toll rising due to starvation, advances in

technology can benefit millions worldwide. GMOs have made it possible to feed more people

more nutritious food, prevent pest, drought related famine, create foods with longer shelf life for

easier transportation, and generate bigger yields for more efficient use of land.

However, despite the numerous benefits reaped from the usage of GMOs, there is debate

about it. Many researchers argue that the modification of an organism’s genetic makeup can lead

to unpredictable results, especially in a field that is so new. These risks are largely dependent on

the specific genetic modifications, the organism’s history, and the properties of the ecosystem in

which it is to be released (Peterson, et. al.). News reports have also indicated that the production

of select GMOs has led to an increased need for herbicides, posing major environmental and

health risks. Due to the fact that knowledge of GMOs is still so limited, it is difficult to

determine whether its benefits effectively outweigh the risks.

        In 2004, the United Nations Environmental Programme or UNEP began to use the

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This  system regulates international trade of GMOs and has

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new requirements for their labeling and documentation. Now, the documentation accompanying

bulk shipments of GMOs is to include contact details of the importer or exporter. The

establishment of a system for labeling and identifying GMO exports effectively ensures

cooperating countries a greater confidence in using biotechnology, all the while helping avoid

potential risks.

        Some important issues surrounding GMOs include a transferring of altered genes to

unintended recipients ,unplanned harm of organisms, and reduced effectiveness of pesticides.

While these appear to be major problems, possible solutions to resolving them are prevalent as

well. Through use of science, genetically altered plants could produce a pollen that will only

fertilize other genetically altered plants. Of course, the outcome of this proposal relates to the

effects on other organisms. As a result of this strategy, cross-pollination would not occur

allowing  farmer to create buffer zones of non-GM crops around the GM fields, as this could be

more environmentally conscious and prevent an excessive usage of pesticides while also keeping

gene transfer from occurring. Though the cost-benefit analysis of GMO use is complicated, the

issue can be addressed by creating initiatives that tackle genetic engineering at its core.

"Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" ProQuest. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php>.

Peterson, G., Et. Al. "Conservation Ecology: The Risks and Benefits of Genetically        Modified Crops: A Multidisciplinary Perspective." Conservation Ecology: The    Risks and Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops: A Multidisciplinary     Perspective. N.p., 2000. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://www.ecologyand        society.org/vol4/iss1/art13/>.Phillips, Theresa. "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Transgenic Crops and       

Recombinant DNA Technology." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/genetically-     modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732>.

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"Sabotage and Subterfuge: Public Relations, Democracy and Genetic Engineering in New Zealand." Sabotage and Subterfuge: Public Relations, Democracy and Genetic Engineering in New Zealand. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://mcs.sagepub.com/content/24/3/325.short>.

"Genetic Modification - The New Zealand Approach." Genetic Modification. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/hazards/organisms/gm-nz-approach-jun04>.

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The Nation of NigeriaAs the delegates of the great Nation of Nigeria, health is one of our important problems.

As many disease have come through our country like Ebola which has finally ended. But there are still plenty of problems in the world. One of which is air pollution and we the Nation of Nigeria is happy to work with other countries around the world to end this problem. As a nation, we have a relatively high amount of air pollution in our nation and are trying to fix these problems. As the Nation of Nigeria we are happy to be joining the world to end this problem.

As the Nation of Nigeria, our country has a total air pollution rate of about 61.36% which is rather high. The Nation of Nigeria has been aware of this problem but has not had the time to work on this problem due to the recent Ebola out brake in Western Africa which has only just ended. As a country of about 173,615,000 we wish every one of our citizens may have a good environment to live in. Through as the Nation of Nigeria we can only afford to use 6.1% of the total income of the country we wish to have a better health system, but these are hard times for all.

Although Nigeria would wish have more help to this topic, our country has been in trouble with recent oil spills, the Ebola out brake, and Gas flaring. But as a country we have been trying to reduce the amount of air pollution that our cars make by making more efficient cars. Also the Nation of Nigeria has reduced the air pollution that our oil refineries have produced by making the process more efficient and make sure we don’t let harmful gases into the environment.

As the Nation of Nigeria, our government has been thinking of ways to reduce air pollution. Our country has been adopting new ways of oil drilling, new car engines, new ways to get energy like Nuclear reactors, and filtering the air to capture harmful gases and not let them go into the environment. We the Nation of Nigeria are also willing to use any other form to reduce air pollution in the world. So that our world maybe a better place for people to live in the future.

Work Cited

1."Nigeria." WHO. Ed. WHO. WHO, 2013. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.

2. Numbeo. "Pollution in Nigeria." Pollution in Nigeria. Numbeo, 2009. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.

Ian Blados and Brooklynne Elliot

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Submitted by: Republic of Tajikistan

    The issue of air pollution is a global problem, which is growing exponentially with the

advancement of technology and industry. As production rates increase around the world, harmful

emissions continue to escalate. In 2012 alone, an estimated 3.7 million people died prematurely

due to air pollution related health problems, the majority of whom were in Southeast Asia and

the Western Pacific.1 Tajikistan suffers so greatly from poor air quality that it is among the worst

affected countries of indoor air pollution related deaths.2 Yet, reducing air pollution is a global

problem which must be addressed and closely monitored with international laws. Environment

friendly policies and alternate forms of fuel can vastly improve quality of life around the world.

To that end, Tajikistan encourages countries with excessive amounts of hazardous emissions to

consider cleaner energy uses.

For nearly two decades, Tajikistan has been actively involved in environmental safety

efforts. In 1996 Tajikistan attended the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone

Layer. It is also a member of the accession list to save the ozone layer from further harm.3

Tajikistan faces many of the same pollution problems as other nations. The amount of

greenhouse gases released from factories and engines must be reduced. The international

community must also restrict the use of crude fuels and encourage utilizing refined or cleaner

1 "Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality and Health." World Health Organization March 2014. Web Accessed 13 February, 2015.

2 "National Burden of Disease Due to Indoor Air Pollution." World Health Organization 2015. Web Accessed 15 February, 2015.

3 "United Nations Treaty Collection." United Nations 2015, www.treaties.un.org. Web Accessed 15 February, 2015.

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energy sources. Tajikistan would also like to expand upon new ways to resolve excessive

amounts of smog and transportation vehicle related air pollution.

Tajikistan is a large exporter of aluminum, metals, and food products as well as textiles

and electricity. On an international level, Tajikistan considers contributing such resources in an

effort to promote countries to build and use cleaner energy sources such as wind turbine and

solar power. In turn, we could make profits to further increase our efforts to improve the air

pollution and environmental subjects. Another set of issues that Tajikistan would like to work on

are the environmental problems caused by factories much like the Tajik Aluminum Plant near the

Uzbek border. The air pollution and environmental conditions in similar factory locations cause

birth defects and diseases to surrounding civilian populations. It also affects agriculture and

livestock, contaminating and damaging food so that it is not consumable. Despite being fully

aware of problems, Tajikistan lacks sufficient funds to work on such problems and would like to

look to allies for support. In 1994, we along with The Republic of Uzbekistan signed the

Agreement on Cooperation in Improving the Environmental Situation in the Zone Affected by the

Tajik Aluminum Plant.4 This was created in an attempt to reduce toxic gases being discharged by

the Tajik Aluminum Plant. However, nothing in this agreement has been done to improve the

environment.

The problem of air pollution is a serious matter not just in Tajikistan, but around the

world. We would like to further exploit what other countries are doing in order to take down air

pollution as a whole and further cooperate with foreign nations to improve air quality on a global

4 Yegorov, Yury. "Fluoride Action Network." Fluoride Action Network. http://fluoridealert.org/news/tajik-

aluminum-environmental-disaster-in-central-asia/, 2 Aug. 2000. Web Accessed 14 February, 2015.

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magnitude. It is of the utmost importance to protect the atmosphere, but to do so requires a world

sized effort. Only through international cooperation can the situation change.

Works Cited:

"Ambient (outdoor) Air Quality and Health." WHO. WHO, Mar. 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.

"National Burden of Disease Due to Indoor Air Pollution." WHO. WHO, 2015. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.

"Tajikistan." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 20 June 2014. Web. 14 Feb. 2015.

United Nations Economic Commission For Europe. "ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS TAJIKISTAN Second Review Synopsis." ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS TAJIKISTAN Second Review Synopsis (2012): 1-54. United Nations ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE, 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.

"UNTC." UNTC. United Nations, 2015. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.

Yegorov, Yury. "Fluoride Action Network." Fluoride Action Network. Fluoride Action Network, 2 Aug. 2000. Web. 14 Feb. 2015.

Country: United Arab Emirates

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Air pollution increases the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and

respiratory diseases the whole world. It is a critical environmental detriment to people’s health and the

ecosystems surrounding them. Air pollution caused over 3.7 million premature deaths worldwide in 2012

and the statistics have been growing ever since (“Ambient”). In response to this problem, the United

Nations executed a policy on May 1, 1998 to investigate the factors in the environment that affect human

health (“Air”). The results will be used to implement regulations on air pollution and develop materials to

educate the public about this growing problem.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognizes air pollution as a problem that can be solved

through the cooperation of the individuals living in the country. For example, the official government

portal of the UAE says that individuals in their homes can use high efficiency devices and turning off the

electricity when not in use. The UAE also states, “It is very important for us to take an action and try to

live in a more sustainable and greener society, not just for the environment … also for the long-term

economic stability” (“Green”). The UAE is in favor of a greener society that will also promote the

economy of the country.

A current functioning strategy in place in the UAE to resolve the issue of air pollution is to

reduce the carbon footprint through renewable energy resources. Abu Dhabi Government-owned

Mubadala Development Company’s branch Masdar Energy is developing the 100MW Shams 1 CSP plant

in Abu Dhabi. It is going to be the largest solar power plant in the world. Masdar City is the official

headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA aspires to create a world

where renewable energy is the basis of social and economic development. The UAE is also planning a

peaceful nuclear energy program to generate electricity (“Green”). The UAE has, so far, signed

agreements with France, United States and Republic of Korea and a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) with the United Kingdom on this project.

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An alternate route for resolving the problem of air pollution would be to educate the public about

simple methods that can reduce the problem. Individuals who own cars can share rides, or carpool, and

keep up their car maintenance. Making sure a car is oiled regularly, replacing the air filter, and having

properly inflated tires can extend the life of the car and reduce emissions. On the other hand, saving

energy in the home by turning off the lights when they are not in use or installing low-flow showerheads

can also reduce extraneous air pollution in the long run.

In conclusion, air pollution is a burden on the whole world and affects all of the people in it, so

everyone must put forth an effort to resolve it. For example, in India a gas plant released massive amounts

of methyl isocyanate into the air, killing 3,000 people and affecting 500,000 others. Pollution incidents

like this happen repeatedly and there are ways to stop them, like switching to solar-powered energy to

reduce the number of power plants. Overall, the United Arab Emirates supports any measures to clean the

air of unnecessary substances that harm the environment.

Works Cited

"Ambient (outdoor) Air Quality and Health." World Health Organization. WHO, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2015.

"Air Pollution and Public Policy." United Nations Technical Cooperation. United Nations, n.d. Web. 02

Feb. 2015.

"Green Measures in the UAE." The UAE Government Official Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.

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