elbMUN 2024

Topic

From Climate Crisis to Human(itarian) Crisis: Tackling Climate Change-Driven Migration

About the committee

Although the full impact of the human-caused climate crisis cannot yet be estimated, millions of people will have to flee their homes in the near future. The World Bank calculates that more than 200 million people will have to leave their homes due to the consequences of global warming. While many countries of the Global North contribute significantly to the acceleration of of climate change, countries in the Global South are feeling the consequences to a disproportionate extent. People in countries like Somalia, Yemen or Chad that are among the ten countries with the highest risk of a climate catastrophe (International Rescue Committee), are forced to flee from water shortages and droughts. Taking into consideration, that approximately 60% of the world’s displaced are living in countries that are most susceptible to the effects of climate change, it is time for the global community to act and address this global crisis, which also represents the world’s enormous climate injustice. Ever since the problem of climate change-driven migration is one of the most pressing ones of our time, this committee tries to find an answer to the question of how climate injustice can be solved. What can be done so that the world community can find a sustainable solution approach, and can the world community reach the tipping point before it is too late? What measures can be taken in what part of the world to reduce the impacts of climate change-driven migration?

Chairs

• Xiaojie Ji
• Charlotte Burkhard

Countries

Topic

From Exploration to Exploitation: The Economic Prospects of Deep Sea Mining

About the committee

Deep-sea mining has significant economic prospects as the interest in renewable energy technologies grows. The transition to a low-carbon economy has increased mineral demand and will continue to do so. Seabed areas in international waters host considerable amounts of mineral resources containing metals such as cobalt, copper, and nickel, which are used in high-tech applications, including electric vehicles. Accessing these deposits may allow countries to gain raw materials of high importance to their economies. So far, deep-sea mining operations, even at relatively low depths, have proven to be very profitable: Minerals in international waters are estimated to contain more valuable minerals than all global terrestrial mines combined. However, scientists are warning of large-scale, severe, and irreversible harm to global ocean ecosystems if deep-sea mining goes ahead. It could lead to huge losses in biodiversity, noise pollution and, most troubling, carbon stored in the seabed could be released into the ocean ecosystem. Economic impacts shouldn’t be ignored either: Extensive deep-sea mining could have knock-on effects on fisheries, livelihoods, and food security. This committee will have to evaluate arguments that consider deep-sea mining a profitable, less destructive way of gaining relevant resources than land mining as well as the statements that call for a moratorium, pause, or ban on commercial deep-sea mining. The environmental impact of deep-sea mining is unforeseeable, ownership over resources found in international waters is debatable and the globalized markets’ reaction to these newly available minerals is unpredictable. Therefore, is it worth taking the environmental risk to boost green tech? How can monopolization be avoided, and a fair distribution be ensured? And overall – who gets to decide what to do with minerals found in the middle of the ocean?

Chairs

• Apostolos Symeonidis
• Alexia Cam Marquez

Countries

Topic

„Blue Challenge“: Approaching a Course for Water Scarcity Solutions

About the committee

In this complex weave of global challenges, the specter of water scarcity emerges as a formidable adversary, demanding our collective attention and concerted efforts. As humanity grapples with the consequences of expanding populations, climate fluctuations, and unsustainable resource management, the "Blue Challenge" summons us to confront the impending crisis of water scarcity. This challenge is not a distant abstraction but a reality unfolding in arid landscapes, parched fields, and communities where the once-reliable flow of water has become a scarce commodity. It is a challenge that surpasses geopolitical boundaries, affecting both developed and developing nations alike. From rural villages to urban centers, the repercussions of water scarcity reverberate, impacting agriculture, industry, and the quality of daily life. Consider the paradox of a planet predominantly covered in water, yet struggling to provide sufficient, clean, and accessible water for all its inhabitants. The urgency is undeniable. In navigating the "Blue Challenge," we must assemble the collective resolve to explore sustainable solutions. This requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing conservation, responsible water management, technological innovations, and equitable distribution practices. The journey towards water security involves not only addressing the symptoms but also the root causes, from climate change impacts to unsustainable consumption patterns. The choices we make today will shape the water landscape for the generations of tomorrow. Let us, as a global community, recognize the gravity of the "Blue Challenge" and navigate its complexities with determination, innovation, and a shared commitment to securing a sustainable water future for all.

Chairs

• Julian Auert
• Katharina Kühne

Countries