Braga 2016 - Committee Topics and Explanatory Paragraphs for Delegates

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BRAGA 2016 – COMMITTEE TOPICS AND EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPHS FOR DELEGATES PLANET “We are determined to protect the planet from degradation […], sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations.” 3. AMBI — COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND BIO- DIVERSITY Ş “Around the world, a growing share of the devastation triggered by ‘natural’ disasters stems from ecologically destructive practices and from putting ourselves in harm’s way. Many ecosystems have been frayed to the point where they are no longer able to withstand natural disturbances… Although the inherent links between disaster reduction and environmental management are recognised, little research and policy work has been undertaken on the subject.” —Klaus Töpfer quoted in Hari Srinivas, ‘Environmental Management and Disaster Reduction – An Introduction’, Concept Note Series E-021, Global Development Research Center, Kobe, Japan, April 2015. 3 Natural hazards vs anthropogenic environmental disasters: Blurred lines? In light of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Bento Rodrigues dam disaster or the Flint water crisis, what safeguards can the EU and the CELAC promote to ensure the international community are better able to prevent environmental crises and reduce their effects on ecosystems and populations? This Committee Topic encompasses elements of all environmental SDGs: 13 (“Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”), 14 (“Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”) and, especially, 15 (“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”). When making proposals, the Committee will have to consider not only the impact of natural hazards and environmental disasters on ecosystems and populations, but also that of the measures they propose. For that, these key terms should be fully understood, including how they overlap, especially in light of recent environmental crises (of the examples given are but a few). In sum, their task will be to find a suitable, sustainable balance, aiming to further the realisation of the three SDGs in question, as well to ensure scientific progress and the good use of natural resources to respond to the needs of the People. In doing so, they should always bear in mind that these phenomena happen all over the world and, as such, also affect the entirety of its population. If we are to be successful in improving the situation worldwide, different actions are not only possible, but also very much required. Regional, supranational and, especially, intercontinental plans of action must be drawn up taking into account agreements such as the COP21 and focusing on realistically implementing them. This is valid also with regard to Euro-Ibero-American cooperation, especially in the fields of localised disaster relief and aid to affected populations. 3 Klaus Töpfer is a German politician and environmental politics expert. From 1998 to 2006, he was the Executive Director of the UNEP. Hari Srinivas is a Professor of Environmental Policy and Sustainability, currently serving as Coordinator at the Global Development Research Center. You can access the article here. 4
BRAGA 2016 – COMMITTEE TOPICS AND EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPHS FOR DELEGATES PROSPERITY “We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.” 4. ENTE — COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND TECHOLOGY “More than 90% of the world’s primary energy currently is supplied by fossil fuels, while more than 8% comes from nuclear power and hydroelectricity. Thus, despite the recent publicity for energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal or biofuels, they provide only a tiny fraction of the world’s energy and, even then, mainly as a result of subsidies.” —Peter Hartley and Kenneth Medlock III, ‘The Valley of Death for New Energy Technologies’, Economics Discussion Papers 2014 (Ed. Ernst Weber), Business School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia, 2014, p. 1. 4 Renewable energy: Too expensive to market? Following the COP21 Agreement, and considering the difficulty to secure private investment for renewable energy technologies at early-stage commercial readiness, how can the EU and the CELAC work together to foster the market uptake of such technologies, especially those in later-stage readiness levels? Under SDG 7 (“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”) and SDG 9 (“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation”), this Committee Topic finds pivotal relevance in a moment of global energy transition. In the context of research, development and commercialisation, it looks at the difficulties faced by many enterprises (start-ups or otherwise) in launching technologies that allow us to use renewable energy sources, especially in crossing the so-called ‘Valley of Death’. This refers to the period between the stages of final development and initial commercialisation when, due to highly intensive capital demands and investment risks, most technologies struggle to find financial support from either state or private entities. Together, the lack of long-term policy support and this mismatch between technology and commercial readiness are the main reasons behind the failure in making renewable sources more predominant in the two continents’ energy mix. Yet, research abundantly shows that, though often very expensive in the beginning (especially during the later stages of technology readiness testing), renewable sources have enormous potential that can be realised at reasonable costs. Finally, it is important to remember that renewable sources need to be smoothly transitioned in when replacing fossil fuel sources to, above all, ensure safety of supply. Bearing all this in mind, and never losing sight of last year’s COP21 Agreement on climate change mitigation, the Committee will be tasked with proposing solutions that aim to overcome barriers to investment and build bridges over the Valley of Death. Going beyond governments doling out ineffective subsidies, the challenge lies in setting up a clear, concerted long-term strategy that promotes more investment in and, ultimately, achieves a greater share of renewable sources in Europe’s and Latin America’s total energy consumption. 4 Peter Hartley is a Professor at the Rice University and a Chair in Resource and Energy Economics at the University of Western Australia. Kenneth Medlock III is a Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics, the Senior Director of the Centre for Energy Studies of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy and an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer at the Rice University. You can access the paper here. 5
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Braga 2016 - Committee Topics and Explanatory Paragraphs for Delegates

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