CSPCMUN2017

United
Nations
Environment
Programme
Committee: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Topic B: Providing economic support after natural disasters.
Moderator: Yessica Gonzalez
Director: Paola Pea
Sub-Director: Oscar Hernandez

Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where
there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when
courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for
the better. Harry S. Truman

Dear Delegates,
First of all, welcome to CSPCMUN2017. It is an honor to have you in
this years edition. We hope that this simulation is a memorable
experience. We are confident that during these three days you will
develop skills such as leadership, negotiating, and critical thinking
while representing a specific country. We expect that in this model
you meet new people who will encourage you to make an impact
in our world. I am sure that you will prepare yourself enough so you
can get to agreements and help in the resolution of the committees
problematic. We hope that you enjoy this simulation as much as we
will. Any doubts you may have, do not hesitate on asking us.

Sincerely,
Mariana Lazo
Chief of Moderators
 I. Committee Overview

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), is a program that has the
authority of environmental protection in the united nations, it works as a support for the
global environment. It was established on the 5th of June in 1972. UNEP is important
because it searches for solutions for the environmental protection world wide. UNEP
priority areas are: climate change, disasters & conflicts, and chemicals & waste . Even
though UNEP is not a main organ, it is a significant committee because it helps with
environmental issues which affect all of us as the human society, and helps to preserve
our environment for future generations. This committee is formed by 58 members that
are chosen by the general assembly (GA), and if of the members agree with the
resolution paper, it will pass. The mission of this committee is to give control and protect
the environment.

II. Topic Information

Natural disasters may cause a big economic blast for a lot of countries which are not
well prepared, but they also may cause that increasement of a country economy. One
of the main factors of why it may have this result is because of the improvement on
productivity in the economys corporate sector, as it occurred in Skidmore and Toya in
2002 .

Nevertheless, it is more often seen that countries go through devastating economic

Now considering the short term effects that natural disasters have on the economic
growth, it would be mainly the countrys economy capacity to adapt to the changes in
that moment, for example, the money from the public fund that would be spent on
providing useful resources to its population. It will also have to face a decline in
economic activity which involves imports and exports being affected causing causing
damage on its economic balance.

This topic is to take into consideration since it affects a country economy in a drastic
way either short or long term, making sometimes a whole population fall into poverty.
 A) History of the Topic

Natural disasters have always been part of history, they are unavoidable scenarios
which cause a lot of damage on a country economic profile especially when is not
expected.

Hurricane Katrina is one of the most known natural disasters, was hurricane that had its
landfall in August 29 of 2005. It was one of the strongest economic impact that the US
has faced. It is estimated that the cost was as high as $250 billion, also considering its
impact, besides the damage. Katrina caused such a lost to the US government
because of its path which devastated 19% of US oil production and important industries.

In general, we may say that in a long history, natural disasters had been a big concern
for the countries governments since their economy growth may be impaired.

B) Current Issues

Right now the world is facing way more natural disasters on a stronger category than it
used to in places that arent usual making those countries closer to poverty.

One disaster was the one that occurred on Italy on August 24th of 2016 categorized as
4.5, this disaster caused a big polemic since Italy is not a zone where earthquakes tend
to hit, but as we said, natural disasters cant be avoided, and in this case unfortunately
Italy wasnt prepared for it. The earthquake caused damage in its economy both long
and short term, with limited impact in Italys GDP.

Now a lot of countries are taking safety methods concerning that natural disasters are
now occurring on places which are not often affected by natural disasters and on
bigger scales.

C) UN Action

The UN provides assistance, support and relief whenever there is a disaster. The World
Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN provides food
to people that are starving. Save the children alliance together with UNICEF provides
education to kids that have been displace. The United Nations Development
Programme helps rebuilding and ensures that the recovery is stable and firm.
III. Conclusion

Natural disasters causes a big damage in the economy of a country. Nowadays natural
disasters are being more current and in a stronger level, we humans create this disasters
and we receive the damages in a greater degree. When this catastrophes occur, most
of the time they leave the country in bankruptcy and it's hard to recover from all the
damages.

IV. Essential Questions

1. Does your country has history in this topic? If so, succinctly explain how.
2. Is your country affected by a natural disaster? If so, which one?
3. Has your country given any support for a natural disaster? If so, to whom?
4. How can the UN be capable of solving this problem?
5. Has your country receive any support from a natural resource? If so, which one?

V. References

UNEP. "United Nations Environment Programme." UNEP-Publications. N.p., 2010. Web. 08

Forum, World Economic. "How Do Natural Disasters Affect the Economy? | World ..."
N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

Kimberly Amadeo. "What Made Katrina So Devastating." The Balance. N.p., 08 Sept.
2016. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

Elmerraji, Jonas. "The Financial Effects of a Natural Disaster." Investopedia. N.p., 2016.
Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

Kristen Grube. "How Do Natural Disasters Affect the Economy?" Prezi. N.p., 16 Nov. 2013.
Web. 13 Nov. 2016

"Global Issues at the United Nations." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.