Despite the efforts outlined by the 2016 Paris Agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping the increase of global average temperature to less than 2°C over the century, in 2019 the average global temperature across both land and sea was 0.95°C above the twentieth-century average of 13.9°C, making it the second-warmest year on record. While a majority of carbon emissions come from The United States, China, and the European Economic Area, these are also states or areas that are best equipped to deal with the effects of climate change, representing the three largest economies in the world with trillions of dollars in wealth. In contrast, nations such as the Central African Republic and The Gambia who release almost no greenhouse gas emissions are least able to tackle climate change and the threats it poses. With economies that rely heavily on agriculture, rising temperatures and lower crop yields threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions.
Though this is a challenge the whole world faces together, poor communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and the numerous threats it poses to human rights across the globe. Whether it be food security and agriculture, refugee crises waiting in the wings, or education and public health, this committee will be focused on not only mitigating the ongoing effects of climate change on poor communities but finding a means of preventing what promises to be our generation’s greatest human rights issue from spiralling out of control.
Hiya!
My name is Dominik Palkovič and I am currently in my senior year of high school, starting my law degree in Groningen in September. Even though my conference experience might not be of an enormous extent, it has been intense and diverse. I find myself very interested in diplomacy and international relations, especially in legal context, and in climate related topics as well. These interests of mine only grew after attending my first conference. Apart from politics, I also enjoy everything coffee-related, cooking and walks in the nature, especially if I can do so with my friends.
I am looking forward to the fruitful debates, hopefully spiced up by some drama, during our committee sessions. Keep an eye out for your Study Guide, as I will be for your position papers. Good luck y’all!