Letter from R&D

Dear Delegates,

The Department of Research & Development of MUNSociety MPSTME welcomes you to the 11th edition of
Mumbai MUN! Our department upholds a proud tradition of facilitating meaningful discourse on national
and international matters, both past and present.

We are primarily tasked with formulating agendas and preparing comprehensive study guides. This year,
we have crafted comprehensive and engaging guides designed to be valuable resources for all delegates.

This year's theme, "Redefine the Norm," challenges us to think beyond conventional solutions and embrace
innovative approaches to global challenges. In a rapidly evolving world, traditional methods often fall short
of addressing contemporary issues. We believe that transformative change requires the courage to question
established practices and the creativity to envision alternative pathways.

With this theme in mind, we have thoroughly picked agendas and committees that demand fresh
perspectives, challenge conventional thought, and encourage innovative approaches to problem-solving.
In this study guide, you will find well-researched background information to help you prepare for your
committee sessions.

We, as facilitators, aim to provide you with the intellectual arsenal to combat any challenges that you might
face and make the most of your Mumbai MUN experience.

We look forward to your active participation and contributions during Mumbai MUN and are confident that,
together, we can make this conference a memorable and enriching experience for all.

Best wishes,
Department of Research & Development,
MUNSociety MPSTME
Contents
COMMITTEE OVERVIEW 1
MANDATE 1
Agenda 1: Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Small Island States 2
AGENDA OVERVIEW 2
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES 2
CAUSES 2
Meteorological Factors 2
Carbon Emissions 3
Aquatic Influences 3
External Dependency 3
IMPACTS 3
Lack of Freshwater Resources 3
Biodiversity Endangerment 4
Health Disorders 4
Industrial loss 5
Civic Displacement 5
BARRIERS 5
Financial Aid Scarcity 5
Insufficient Public Awareness 6
Resource Deficiencies 6
Government Apathy 6
Remoteness 6
CASE STUDIES 7
Kiribati 7
Maldives 8
OTHER UN BODIES IN ACTION 8
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 8
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) 9
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 9
World Bank 9
PAST RESOLUTIONS 10
Barbados Programme of Action- 1994 10
SAMOA Pathway - 2014 10
Paris Agreement - 2015 10
CONCLUSION 11
Agenda 2: Advancing Climate Action in Global Food Security 11
AGENDA OVERVIEW 11
INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 11
CAUSES 12
Topographical Factors 12
Marine-Based Influences 13
Natural Calamities 13
Atmospheric Factors 13
IMPACTS 14
Human Health 14
Social Discrimination 14
Industrial Loss 14
Economic Loss 15
BARRIERS 16
Geopolitical Tensions 16
Humanitarian Aid and Access 17
Ecological Imbalance 17
Trade Disruption 17
Status Discrimination 18
Rapid Urbanisation 18
CASE STUDIES 19
Columbia 19
Finland 19
PAST INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS 20
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) 20
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 20
World Food Programme (WFP) 20
PAST RESOLUTIONS 20
Plan of Action on World Food Security - 1996 20
United Nations Millennium Declaration - 2000 21
CONCLUSION 21

Note: The QARMAs will be released pre-conference, post consultation with the Executive Board
COMMITTEE OVERVIEW ideologies that could help a smooth and effective
implementation of the Convention and better
The United Nations Framework Convention on the situation worldwide. The COP meets every
Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the United Nations year to assess the effects taken by the Parties
Entity established in the year 1992 which is regarding the situation and check on the progress
responsible for supporting the global response to embarked on by them in achieving the desired
the threat of climate change. It has 198 parties goals.
and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris
Agreement and 1997 Kyoto Protocol. MANDATE
The main work of the UNFCCC is to stabilise Within the UNFCCC-COP mandate, the
greenhouse gas concentrations in the Committee is responsible for having an exchange
atmosphere to levels that won't affect the climate of information–without any prejudice–regarding
system dangerously as well as promoting actions relating to mitigation and adaptation to
sustainable development and the natural growth assist Parties in continuing to develop effective
of ecosystems. The main aim of the Paris and appropriate responses to climate change.
Agreement is to keep the global average Along with this, there is a clear discussion over
temperature rise this century as close as possible the measures and policies that have been
to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. implemented by each of their respective
The Kyoto Protocol similarly has the goal of governments, confirming their stand and
ensuring that the industrialised countries and determination towards the goal. The conferences
economies in transition limit and reduce the are held to ensure that each party is represented
emission of greenhouse gases by their agreed and extend a helping hand in financing the
targets.1 presence of the developing country’s
governmental experts. This leads to a better
The Conference of Parties (COP) is the supreme understanding of the situation globally and out
decision-making body of the UNFCCC that comes of the discussions held, emerges viable solutions
together to review implementations of the that can be adapted to make changes towards
Convention and any other legal instrument that climate change.
the COP adopts and implements solution-related

1
un. (n.d.). UNFCCC. UNFCCC.int. https://unfccc.int/

1
Agenda 1: Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Small Island States

AGENDA OVERVIEW impacted by climate change. The impacts of

climate change can be seen through
This agenda aims to understand the root issues Infrastructure damage, deteriorating human
faced by the inhabitants of the Small Island health, environmental degradation, occasional
Developing States as a result of climate change coastal floodings etc. This situation persists due
and the barriers restricting them from achieving to restrictions such as insufficient monetary aid,
sustainability and resilience. Climate change has lack of public comprehension, outlying locations,
innumerable impacts such as natural calamities, and inefficient government support. The UN has
ecosystem and biodiversity endangerment, and instigated several Programmes of Action in
infrastructural destruction, which leads to the favour of SIDS such as the Barbados Programme
deterioration of the environment. With several of Action, and SAMOA Pathway.
nations being deeply affected by this cause–in
terms of health, safety and economy–effective
measures must be taken into action and a
properly established framework should be
designed with the convention of reducing the
severe impacts of climate change.

INTRODUCTION TO SMALL ISLAND

DEVELOPING STATES
Adverse Effect of Climate Change on SIDS
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is the Source: OPEC Fund
terminology designated to a group of 39 distinct
states and 18 Associate Members of United CAUSES
Nations regional commissions that are
economically, environmentally and socially Meteorological Factors
vulnerable. They were recognised by the United
Nations at the 1992 Conference on Environment Global Warming is a threat to humanity and
and Development conducted in Rio De Janeiro, prevails to prove its fatality by wrecking the
Brazil.2 From the environmental perspective, biosphere. Although not a heavy contributor,
these developing regions face the most SIDS face the wrath of global warming through
catastrophic natural calamities and extreme an immense rise in sea levels, ocean warming,
weather events due to their geography. In recent and catastrophic temperature surges. Ocean
times, Cyclone Winston and Cycle Harold hit Fiji warming jeopardizes the aquatic ecosystem,
and Vanuatu respectively, causing infrastructure leading to coral bleaching and negatively
damage to a great extent. The ocean-to-land affecting the health of marine species. Ocean
mass ratio is 28:1, making the SIDS heavily acidification poses a hazard to the tourism and
dependent on the ocean for their livelihood. They fisheries industry and reduces the protection
contribute almost less than 1 percent of global imparted by the coral reefs during storm surges.
greenhouse gas emissions yet are the most According to reports, in the last few months of

2
United Nations. (n.d.). Conferences | Small Island Developing States. United Nations.
https://www.un.org/en/conferences/small-
islands#:~:text=Small%20Island%20Developing%20States%20(SIDS,in%20Rio%20de%20Janeiro%2C%20Brazil.

2
2023, it was noted that the average surface External Dependency
temperature escalated by 1.7°C in the SIDS than
when perceived in the 1951-1980 reference The economies of SIDS are heavily reliant on the
period, exceeding the desired limit of 1.5°C set by ocean and its resources. As reported by the UNDP
the Paris Agreement This increase corresponds to in 2017, SIDS consist of 96.5 percent ocean and
higher drought risks and hinders the availability only 3.5 percent land, highlighting their
of freshwater, compromising local flora and dependence on marine resources for their
fauna. Without efforts to limit the temperature livelihood. The tourism and fishing industries
increase, the prevalence of disasters will continue account for up to half of the GDP in countries like
to grow, and survival will become increasingly Antigua and the Maldives. However, the
challenging. overexploitation of these resources is
destabilising ecosystems, making them more
Carbon Emissions vulnerable to climate change. With limited
alternative sources of livelihood or economic
One of the major catalysts to climate change is resilience, SIDS are particularly exposed to
the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly climate-related disasters. Additionally, SIDS face
carbon dioxide. Although SIDS contribute less some of the highest electricity costs in the world
than 1 percent of global carbon emissions, they due to their reliance on imported fossil fuels. This
bear the brunt of the consequences.3 Carbon further drains financial resources, preventing
emissions severely affect the ecosystem as it investment in sustainable alternatives that could
hampers the rainfall patterns leading to large- mitigate the impact of climate change.
scale flooding, and calamities such as droughts
and rising sea levels. It also alters the acidic levels IMPACTS
present in water harming marine species and
hampering the ability of waterbodies to absorb Lack of Freshwater Resources
carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
Water is the most vital element for any species,
Aquatic Influences yet climate change poses a severe threat to
freshwater resources in SIDS. UNESCO reports
The SIDS are characterised by their low-lying that 71 percent of the SIDS face the danger of
terrain, which makes them highly susceptible to water shortage which even goes up to the bar of
flooding. Nations in the SIDS, with land less than 91 percent in regions with the lowest altitude. The
five metres above sea level, face even more water so far available is also contaminated by the
deplorable conditions, as they are at risk of being result of climate change in the form of seawater,
wiped out entirely. For instance, the Maldives, mud and sewage–usually as a consequence of
where over 80 percent of the land is less than a any natural disaster like storms, floods, or
metre above sea level, faces the threat of tsunamis–which flows into the freshwater
extinction due to rising sea levels. As sea levels bodies. The groundwater is also not safe from
rise, the frequency and intensity of storms and salinity as saltwater intrudes into it and because
cyclones increase, further endangering the of that, there is a risk of 73 per cent of
inhabitants and disrupting their livelihoods. groundwater pollution. Lack of groundwater can
also be tagged as a drought condition as this will

3
Small island developing states. UNDP Climate Promise. (2019, July 31). https://climatepromise.undp.org/research-
and-reports/snapshot-small-island-developing-states

3
not only affect humankind but their only source becomes a threat to The atmosphere. Heatwaves
of sustenance as well. A proper interdisciplinary give rise to hurricanes and destroy corals and
approach is required to mitigate this gruesome mangroves which are essential in an ecosystem.
situation. Marine heatwaves primarily lead to ocean
warming, which in turn drives the destruction of
Biodiversity Endangerment marine life. Similarly, the human body can only
tolerate certain levels of heat, and with rising
Coral Bleaching temperatures, it is expected that heat-related
deaths will increase.
Coral reefs play a vital role in marine ecosystems
by providing habitat for numerous species and Health Disorders
protecting coastlines from erosion. Coral
Bleaching can be noticed when the corals turn Ciguatera Poisoning
white or lose their vibrant colour tone as a
consequence of the stress of climate change. Warm sea temperatures and the high frequency
When the corals are discoloured or disfigured, of cyclones damage coral reefs, which ultimately
this, in turn, affects the ecosystem surrounding it. results in the growth of microalgae containing
The decline in coral health may also reduce the ciguatoxin. When fish ingest this microalgae, the
appeal of scuba diving tourism if the aesthetic toxins accumulate in their tissues. As SIDS rely on
and ecological integrity of the reefs is not the ocean for their primary diet, consumption of
adequately restored. Furthermore, the these contaminated fish leads to ciguatera
weakening of coral reefs poses a substantial poisoning. There are no indications of the toxin's
ecological risk, including a potential decline in presence in fish without laboratory testing,
oxygen production, which could have serious making consumers susceptible to the disease.
consequences for marine life. Over the past 20 years, the incidence has
increased by up to 60 percent, with Pacific SIDS
Ocean Acidification reporting approximately 500,000 cases annually.
Kiribati is the most affected, with an incidence
The CO2 present in the atmosphere when rate of 312 per 100,000 population per year. If not
absorbed by the ocean alters the pH baseline addressed properly, this poses a significant threat
making it more acidic. This is characterised by to the fishing industry, food security, and the
ocean warming, affecting coral reef growth and economy.
hindering the ability of marine species to make
and maintain their shells–like shellfish, and sea Non-Communicable Diseases
urchins. Many of the SIDS are built from
carbonate skeletal material which was Climate change has the potential to increase the
accumulated from the dead marine calcifiers incidence of infectious diseases, including
such as corals and calcifying algae. The increase malaria, dengue fever, and diarrheal illnesses.
in acidity of the water restricts the endurance of Furthermore, recent data reveal a significant rise
these structural reefs as calcium carbonate gets in mortality rates associated with non-
dissolved, endangering the regions.

Heat Waves

SIDS experience both terrestrial and marine heat

waves. The higher the temperature, the more it

4
communicable diseases.4 There has also been and coastal flooding cause significant damage to
strong evidence relating this situation to extreme infrastructure, housing, and crops. In 2022, nearly
weather conditions like heat waves, water 32 million people were displaced because of
insecurity as well unhealthy diets followed by the weather hazards which is 41 percent more than in
citizens. In Over 80 per cent of SIDS, more than 2008. As of 2024, about 300 Indigenous Guna
one in six adults die prematurely from Non- families are being relocated from the Gardi
Communicable Diseases. SIDS have one of the Sugdub island to Panama as they fear the sea rise
highest rates of risk of dying prematurely from flooding. Many other members of SIDS are
any major NCDs, which are cancer, chronic lung actively seeking refuge in other willing nations.
illnesses, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Beyond the damage caused, the cost of restoring
Beyond the impact on physical health, the stress the environment to its original state ranges from
caused by environmental destruction 1 percent to 8 percent of a country's total GDP. In
significantly undermines mental health, the context of already weak economic conditions,
adversely affecting the well-being of the this financial burden can lead to long-term
population. indebtedness, hindering the development
process.
Industrial loss

With their geographical locations surrounded by

water and isolated from the congested world,
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) attract
many tourists. These regions rely heavily on
tourism for income and livelihoods, making
visitor engagement crucial to their economies.
However, climate change and the consequent
rise in natural disasters have led to significant Damage brought about by Hurricanes
losses for tourism-dependent nations. In The Source: The Conversation
Bahamas, where 52.2 percent of jobs are
supported by the tourism, the impact of five
BARRIERS
major hurricanes in recent years has altered Financial Aid Scarcity
visitors' perceptions, resulting in a decline in
tourism-generated revenue.
this globalised era, capital is essential for a
Civic Displacement nation's safety. This poses a significant challenge
for SIDS. Although many of these nations fall
Due to unpredictable meteorological conditions under the middle-income status, they do not
and crippling infrastructures, human existence in benefit from concessional funds, which are
SIDS is increasingly threatened. Maldives–deeply primarily allocated to low-income countries.
dependent on tourism–had a survey in which Without these funds, SIDS struggle to recover
over 90 per cent of their resorts reported beach effectively from climate change-related issues.
erosion and 60 percent of them have undergone Nations like Haiti and Comoros, classified as
infrastructure damage. Moreover, sea level rise Least Developed Countries, heavily depend on

4
World Health Organization. (n.d.-b). Climate Change and Noncommunicable Diseases in Small Island Developing
States. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/climate-change-and-
noncommunicable-diseases-in-small-island-developing-states

5
aid to sustain their economies and maintain well- into debt. Overexploitation of the ocean
being. According to UN reports, SIDS receive a resources can lead to scarcity in the future. The
minimal share of Official Development inability of to invest in renewable resources, due
Assistance (ODA), hindering their growth and to constraints such as limited land availability,
development. Additionally, the lack of technical restricts their capacity for resource production
aid is a major barrier to combating climate and creates a substantial economic burden. Even
change. 5 the most basic groundwater resources are much
lower than the required numbers which results in
Along with a lack of aid, 40 per cent of the SIDS complicated situations during disasters. All these
are suffering from unsustainable levels of debt lead to a tougher post-recovery as the nation does
and 70 per cent of the nations are not able to not have adequate resources to counter the
recover their economic losses. This again holds challenges.
them back from investing in methods that could
help them diminish the effects of climate change. Government Apathy

Insufficient Public Awareness A significant concern with smaller governments

is the increased risk of corruption, as there is less
The challenges faced by Small Island Developing oversight from a larger population. Instances
States remain largely unfamiliar to the broader have been reported where financial aid
public, despite public support being essential for designated for climate change resilience has
overcoming these difficulties. SIDS have been misappropriated for personal use by
consistently voiced their need for assistance in officials. Ensuring the fair and transparent
addressing the adverse effects of climate change allocation of public funds is essential, as any
and in advocating for the importance of limiting mismanagement could lead the nation into
global warming. Additionally, raising awareness substantial debt and potentially trigger an
among the populations of SIDS is crucial, which economic collapse. Moreover, the lack of
can be achieved through education, technology, comprehensive policies addressing climate
and the dissemination of accurate information. change poses a serious challenge, as
governmental bodies should take the lead in
Resource Deficiencies
formulating and implementing effective
Apart from monetary and technical aid, there is a measures to mitigate the issue.6
major requirement for resources that can fulfil
sustainability goals. However, SIDS are heavily Remoteness
reliant on the ocean and have limited options for While a remote location may offer a sense of
economic sustainability beyond imports. This safety and calm, the reality is often far from it.
dependency presents a significant barrier to Greater distance results in less frequent
economic growth and often drives these nations transportation and connectivity, exacerbating

5
United Nations. (n.d.-e). Finance for development for Small Island Developing States report - advance unedited |
office of the high representative for the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and Small Island
Developing States. United Nations. https://www.un.org/ohrlls/news/finance-development-small-island-developing-
states-report-advance-unedited
6
Procurement and corruption in small island developing states. (n.d.-f).
https://www.unodc.org/documents/corruption/Publications/2016/V1608451.pdf

6
the challenges faced by SIDS. Unpredictable livestock, dwindling water resources and hence
weather conditions cause constant distress reduced agricultural productivity and a decline in
among the population. Remoteness also limits water quality are the key impacts recognized so
access to diverse resources, confining livelihoods far. In 2010, the Government of Kiribati
largely to ocean-dependent activities. estimated that around 66 per cent of the total
population is living under the poverty line or is at
This isolation makes disaster recovery more risk of falling below it. Combined with the
prolonged and costly, as immediate help from nation’s low food and water security, it has
neighbouring areas is less accessible. Funds that amplified its vulnerability to natural hazards
could have been used for preventive measures driven by unpredictable climate phenomena.
are instead consumed by recovery efforts, further
hindering the implementation of effective
Future Predictions
disaster preparedness strategies.
Many of the low-lying islands of Kiribati are
CASE STUDIES predicted to be submerged as almost all islands
in the country have a low-lying coastal zone. This
Kiribati
is because the melting ice caps will lead to higher
average sea levels over the coming decades. The
Overview frequency of coastal flooding will increase,
The Republic of Kiribati is a collection of 32 coral leading not only to direct infrastructure damage
atolls situated in the Pacific Ocean. It has a but also to the decline and loss of cultivable
tropical climate with hot and humid lands. This will cause permanent destruction of
temperatures throughout the year. The seasonal ecosystems as wildlife will be unable to survive in
climate patterns have many variations generally such regions. Ocean acidification will disrupt
due to the South Pacific and Intertropical coral reef replenishment pushing many marine
Convergence Zones. It faced severe droughts in species towards extinction which will affect the
1988-1989 and 2007-2009 and since then commercial fishing sector adversely. This pushes
droughts and storms have been a particular cause disparities to elevate beyond reason including
of concern in the country. poverty, inequality, gender disparity, social
peace, and health. As the frequency of these
incidents increases, human health will take a
Impacts
high toll contributing to malnutrition, lack of
Kiribati, even while contributing least to the protection against diseases and overall well-
climate crisis, has experienced its worst effects. being.7
Kiribati’s biodiversity has proven to be highly
sensitive to heavy rainfall events drought and Mitigation
saline intrusion. The vulnerability and
sustainability of groundwater resources under Given Kiribati’s vulnerability to climate change, it
climate change have raised major concerns. has been taking crucial steps towards climate
These extremities in Kiribati are further adaptation and mitigation. The government has
enhanced by issues with governmental law issued several adaptation policies, plans and
enforcement forces. Reduced productivity of agreements such as the 2012 National Disaster
Risk Management Plan, the 2013 National

7
World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Climatology | Climate Change Knowledge Portal.
(n.d.).https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/kiribati/climate-data-historical

7
Communication under the United Nations changes in temperature and, as a result, the
Framework Convention on Climate Change, the incidence of bleaching will increase in frequency
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and intensity with the projected rise in sea
2016, and the 2018 Kiribati Climate Change surface temperatures.8 Another potential area of
Policy. Five key adaptation focus areas have been vulnerability is the recreational diving sector,
highlighted including early warning systems, which is threatened by environmental
resilient infrastructure, protecting dryland degradation, loss of reefs, and coastal erosion.
agriculture crop production, mangrove planting, Fish acts as a primary source of dietary protein
and making water resources management more among Maldivians, hence the effect of climate
resilient. change on local and regional fishery systems will
play a role in impacting their diets.
Maldives
Mitigation
Overview
A few key national adaptation strategies and
Maldives is an archipelago of 26 low-lying coral policies include the Disaster Management Act,
atolls in the Indian Ocean located southwest of Maldives Climate Change Policy Framework, and
the Indian subcontinent. The country consists of most recently the Strategic Action Plan 2019–
just under 1,192 small tropical islands out of 2023 (SAP). SAP aims to strengthen and increase
which about 358 are used for economic activities crop production to ensure the nutritional safety
and human settlement. The driving force of of communities, self-sufficiency and lessen
Maldives’ economy is tourism, which contributes imports in the country. It also aims to ensure the
about one-third of the GDP and is also the fastest- sustainable development of fisheries by
growing economic sector within the country. incorporating modern fishery management
Though the contribution of fisheries and principles. It believes in supporting local
agriculture to GDP has been declining in current communities to increase their resilience. It also
times, these sectors are still a major source of aims to integrate climate risk hazards and
income and subsistence for many rural vulnerabilities to local development planning
communities. Due to a combination of political, across various islands, to improve quality of life.
geographic, and social factors, Maldives is
recognized as highly vulnerable to climate OTHER UN BODIES IN ACTION
change impacts.
United Nations Development Programme
Current and Future Impacts (UNDP)

Maldives has quite low elevation and varied UNDP has a strong hold and support over the
topography due to which any small changes in SIDS regions which it uses efficiently to support
sea level could mean extensive land flooding or these countries by enhancing climate action,
Even submersion. It poses a looming threat to propelling marine-based economies and
homes and industries situated near the coastline. catalysing a digital transformation. Through the
More than 90 of the inhabited Maldives islands Climate Promise initiative, UNDP is working with
already experience annual floods generated by SIDS to prepare enhanced Nationally
storms far away. Corals are highly sensitive to Determined Contributions (NDCs) that are goal-

8
Maldives Climate Change Profile. (n.d.-f). https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2020-
12/15649-WB_Maldives%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf

8
oriented and comprehensive. For example, the Coalition for Nature’ which is a platform created
Cook Islands has achieved quite a lot of their for SIDS members to advocate on agreed
emissions reduction targets and is now aiming common SIDS priorities and needs. It is an
for net zero emissions between 2030 and 2040.9 important organising mechanism to unite SIDS
Antigua and Barbuda is embarking on an members around the implementation of the
equitable transition of its workforce with an Global Biodiversity Framework targets. UNEP
energy target of 86 per cent renewable energy has been supporting the development and
from local resources by 2030. In Comoros, it also implementation of legal and collaborative
created a data platform for SIDS, which is an frameworks and strategic planning to address
open-sourced digital tool that provides revised, the rising concern of plastic pollution in several
consistent, and comprehensive information on countries, including SIDS such as Mauritius,
national and geospatial data, and other Seychelles, and Trinidad and Tobago.
development metrics. Additionally, a myriad of national and regional
capacity development activities are designed,
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) considering SIDS' unique circumstances and
needs. It is also the lead agency of the Global
UNICEF has recognised that children in SIDS are
Environment Facility (GEF) Islands Programme
particularly vulnerable, facing risks including
“Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-
poverty, health, food, and nutrition
Chemical Development in Small Island
insecurity, child protection, educational
Developing States” (ISLANDS) and is supporting
disruptions, and displacement challenges. They
more than 33 island nations including many SIDS
support children and young people in SIDS with
in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Indian and Pacific
various mitigation strategies amidst climate
regions to improve chemicals and waste
disasters. They have fine-tuned their approaches
management.10
towards a more youth-oriented system that is
needed to address their vulnerabilities in SIDS. World Bank
UNICEF has Responded to children's nutritional
needs by promoting climate-resilient food The World Bank Group has agreed to a Regional
systems, and healthy diets. They work in Partnership Framework (RPF) with Kiribati,
partnerships with governments to develop Nauru, Marshall Islands, Federated States of
robust policies and advocate for children's rights Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and
in the global climate. Vanuatu where climate change is one of four key
focus areas of the agreement. Under the heading
United Nations Environment Programme of strengthening resilience to natural disasters
(UNEP) and climate change, the RPF aims to continue to
support regional and single-country activities
UNEP has been a crucial contributing agency
that help them strengthen their resilience
towards SIDS. UNEP along with UNFCCC and
against natural disasters and climate change.
other UN organisations supported the ‘SIDS

9
Small island developing states are on the frontlines of climate change – here’s why. UNDP Climate Promise.
https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/small-island-developing-states-are-frontlines-climate-change-
heres-why
10
Environment, U. (n.d.). UNEP & Small Island Developing States (SIDS). UNEP. https://www.unep.org/topics/ocean-
seas-and-coasts/small-island-developing-states/unep-small-island-developing-states

9
They will ensure that at least 35 percent of the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked
total portfolio will directly or indirectly support Developing Countries and Small Island
climate-related co-benefits. The RPF further Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) to include SIDS.
identifies a range of regional and country-specific It aims to address the unique challenges faced by
interventions including vulnerability assessment SIDS and support the coordinated follow-up of
and disaster risk planning, financing and the Programme of Action for the Sustainable
insurance initiatives for climate risks and natural Development of SIDS. It will undertake advocacy
hazards, as well as support to resilience-building work in favour of the small island developing
interventions in areas such as transport, States in partnership with the relevant parts of
agriculture and water supply. the United Nations. It also aims to assist in
mobilising international support and resources
PAST RESOLUTIONS for the implementation of the Programme of
Action. Earlier SIDS Member States were never
Barbados Programme of Action- 1994 able to adequately report their progress. So
It was established by the UN Global Conference UN/OHRLLS undertook this exercise to develop a
on the Sustainable Development of SIDS which set of instruments intended to simplify the
was held in Barbados from 25 April to 6 May 1994. reporting process for SIDS. The approach has
It created specific policies and actions for been to use the ‘Framework of Monitoring
countries, regions, and international efforts. Indicators for the SAMOA Pathway’ as its
Their commitment to these goals is reflected in foundational point to minimise overlapping
the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA). The efforts both by the UN and SIDS Member States.12
resolution focuses on areas such as climate
Paris Agreement - 2015
change and sea-level rise, natural and
environmental disasters, management of The Paris Agreement is a legally binding
wastes, and coastal and marine, freshwater, and international treaty on climate change adopted
biodiversity resources. It highlights the special By 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change
challenges and constraints that cause major Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12
setbacks to the socio-economic development of December 2015. Its primary goal is to hold “the
SIDS, including small size and geographic increase in the global average temperature to
Isolation that prevent the scaling of their well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and
economies.11 pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase
to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”.13 It follows a
SAMOA Pathway - 2014 five-year plan of ambitious climate actions which
The SAMOA Pathway expanded the mandate of get more progressive with time. It includes
the UN Office of the High Representative for the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
where countries communicate actions they will

United Nations. (n.d.-e). BPOA - Barbados programme of action sustainable development knowledge platform.
11

United Nations. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/conferences/bpoa1994

12
United Nations. (n.d.-i). The Samoa pathway | office of the high representative for the least developed countries,
landlocked developing countries and Small Island Developing States. United Nations.
https://www.un.org/ohrlls/content/samoa-pathway
13
Paris Agreement. Unfccc.int. (n.d.). https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

10
take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to as the uninhabitable conditions in water bodies
reach the goals of the Paris Agreement. further exacerbate the challenges faced by biotic
creatures residing in them.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the severity of climate change's
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stand on impacts on SIDS necessitates the
the frontline of extinction due to the adverse implementation of feasible and viable solutions
effects of climate change, impacting both the to mitigate these aftereffects. Each small, vigilant
biosphere and abiotic factors. These inhumane step taken toward overcoming these challenges
conditions pose significant threats to humanity can help ensure that the populations in these
as a whole. The destruction of income sources regions can thrive and pass on their traditions
pushes these nations toward poverty, which must and cultures to future generations, securing a
be avoided at all costs. It is equally important to stable future.
address both terrestrial and marine ecosystems,

Agenda 2: Advancing Climate Action in Global Food Security

AGENDA OVERVIEW
The agenda aims to bring to light the variety of
climatic phenomena affecting food security at a
global level. Food security is a basic right of every
individual which many have been deprived of for
centuries. In recent developments, through
direct and indirect patterns, climate change has
affected the availability and accessibility of safe
and secure food commodities. Droughts, storms, Increasing Climate Resilience in Crops
rising sea levels, increasing global temperatures Source: Foundation for Food And Agriculture
and greenhouse emissions are a few of the factors Research
that have led to an increase in food insecurity,
particularly in low-income countries that have a INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL FOOD
finite amount of resources to tackle this problem.
SECURITY
It has increased malnutrition rates, particularly
amongst children and contributed to the loss of The World Food Summit defined food security as
the economy leading to economic and political the state in which people at all times have
instability across countries. By advancing climate physical, social and economic access to sufficient
action, it is essential to mitigate and contain the and nutritious food that meets their dietary
effects to a minimum extent. Only with the joint needs for a healthy and active life. While there
efforts of every country in the world, we can aim are a myriad of factors affecting food security
to accomplish our food target goals by this such as economic and political instability, access
century. to resources, social inequality and others,
climatic phenomena play their due part in the
process. Global warming is influencing weather
patterns, causing heat waves, heavy rainfall, and
droughts. This extreme weather causes

11
disruptions in crop growing and over time soil's capacity to support the cultivation of high-
changes the regional growing conditions. quality crops at necessary rates is severely
compromised, resulting in a significant decrease
Low-income and developing countries in Sub- in food production.
Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia
face challenges related to food security due to
Soil Erosion
climate change. Most recent ongoing incidents
have been observed in African countries The rising frequency and intensity of climatic
including Ethiopia, Niger, and Mali where the disasters—such as prolonged droughts and
extreme weather patterns ranging from droughts extreme precipitation—increases the
to floods across the country have driven the degradation of the upper soil layers. The
countries’ vulnerable populations into severe nutrient-rich topsoil gets eroded, significantly
starvation. As the frequency of these events has impeding the land's ability to sustain agricultural
been rising, aid from other nations has struggled productivity. This soil also experiences a decline
to keep pace with the growing challenges. These in its water retention capabilities leading to
countries are economically dependent on increased surface water runoff which in itself is a
agriculture and farming hence they are not only cause of further soil erosion. As a result, crops do
affected by food insecurity but also by an not receive the necessary quantity of water for
immense financial crisis.14 These issues can be optimal growth, leading to a decline in their
resolved by implementing various technological overall quality. This situation heightens the
and policy solutions by the governments. With demand for fertilisers, creating a vicious cycle of
the right global efforts, we can develop resilient land degradation.
adaptation and recovery.

CAUSES
Topographical Factors

Loss of fertile lands

The area of cultivable farmland has experienced

a stark decline, driven by climatic phenomena
that are accelerating desertification. An
Agricultural Impacts of Climate Crisis
increasing expanse of land has been lost to
Source: IOFS
diminished fertility. It is estimated that today
about 500 million people live in areas that are
experiencing desertification.15 Diverse climatic
factors critically undermine soil quality, leading
to the depletion of essential nutrients. Hence the

14
World Bank Group. (2022, October 19). Climate explainer: Food Security and climate change. World Bank.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/10/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-food-security-and-climate-
change

United Nations. (n.d.-j). World food security increasingly at risk due to “unprecedented” climate change impact,
15

New Un report warns | UN News. United Nations. https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/08/1043921

12
Marine-Based Influences Natural Calamities

Rising Sea Levels

Global mean sea level has been reaching record

high levels after increasing at an average of 4.5
mm per year since 2013. This is more than double
the rate between 1993 and 2002 and is mainly due
to the accelerated loss of ice sheets in the Arctic
and other poleward regions. Rising sea levels Impact of Disasters on Food Security
lead to increased salinity of our oceans and seas. Source: UN Water
This heightened salinity poses a significant threat
The increasing frequency and intensity of
to agricultural lands, which are often strategically
extreme weather disasters such as floods,
located near these water bodies for easy access to
droughts and forest fires due to climate change
irrigation resources. As flooding events become
are having a devastating effect on food security
more frequent, farmlands are flooded and
and livelihoods. According to a report released by
harvests are devastated.
the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the
annual occurrence of disasters is now more than
Scarcity of Freshwater Resources
three times that of the 1970s and 1980s as a result
The saline water seeps into the surrounding of our warming climate. More than 63 percent of
groundwater, causing saltwater intrusion and the repercussions are borne by the agricultural
making freshwater sources contaminated and sector with the least developed and low- and
unsuitable for agricultural use. The deterioration middle-income countries bearing a significant
of these freshwater resources undermines crop toll of these issues.16 The report has stated
quality and yields, affecting food security. Access drought to be the single most adverse effect that
to freshwater resources has diminished by 20 causes agricultural production loss, followed by
percent over the past two decades, significantly floods, storms, pests and diseases, and wildfires.
limiting individuals' ability to secure safe water It has been estimated that the annual loss of crop
essential for survival. In the absence of clean production due to natural disasters could fulfil
water, the agricultural crops cultivated may also the necessary food intake of more than seven
be contaminated, making them unsuitable for million adults annually. Hence addressing these
consumption and harming public health. This challenges is crucial for safeguarding against loss
decline not only threatens food security but also of food supplies for the people.
poses serious risks to the well-being of
Atmospheric Factors
communities reliant on this vital resource.
Greenhouse emissions are one of the biggest
contributors to climate change accounting for
almost one-third of the world’s climate change
effects. Hence it also tends to be a major
contributing factor towards food insecurity. In

Climate change Related Disasters. Unfccc.int. (n.d.-a). https://unfccc.int/news/climate-change-related-disasters-a-

16

major-threat-to-food-security-fao

13
recent times as close as 2023, carbon dioxide child might not receive adequate care for healthy
emissions were recorded as over 420 parts per growth. Temperature and precipitation changes
million which is way beyond the ‘safe’ limit of 350 enhance the spread of vector-borne diseases.
parts per million of carbon dioxide in the Without preventive actions, deaths from such
atmosphere. For example, global yield trends of diseases may rise well over 7,00,000 annually.
both maize and wheat are expected to show a Human health remains consistently vulnerable
significant decline in future projections. These due to the lack of such basic food amenities and
declines can be attributed to the negative the constant threat of disease.
impacts of climate change arising from
increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Maize and Social Discrimination
wheat are a major staple food ingredient in the
The populations at greatest risk are those that are
diets of communities in many less developed
dependent on agriculture and natural resources,
countries of Africa and Central America. The
with livelihoods that are highly exposed to
consumption of these grains crosses more than
climate change impacts. In regions with high
700 million metric tonnes annually which
levels of food insecurity and inequality, increased
provides for more than 20 percent of the world’s
frequency of droughts will affect poorer
calorie and protein intake. Hence the only viable
households. Even amongst these households, as
method to sustain food security is via increasing
women have higher vulnerability and restricted
food production while making an effort to reduce
access to resources, they will be predominantly
our carbon emissions at the earliest.
affected. Indigenous peoples, who depend on the
environment and its biodiversity for their food
IMPACTS
security and nutrition, are at high risk, especially
Human Health those living in areas where significant impacts
are expected such as The Arctic, mountain areas,
Major influences undermining nutrition include the Pacific islands, coastal and other low-lying
reduced crop yields and subpar quality of crops areas. This leaves them with the sole option to
lacking nutrients. Contaminated water and migrate to other regions which will bring about
improper sanitation may also be a contributing another wide range of implications.
factor. By 2050, the risk of hunger and
malnutrition could rise by 20 percent.17 Industrial Loss
Malnutrition will claim the lives of countless
young children if global actions fail to reach their Crop Production
goals. Climate shocks are projected to increase
Climate change has both direct and indirect
everyday burdens on women along with negative
impacts on agricultural production systems.
impacts on the care of children. Due to drought
Apart from the obvious direct effects such as an
and desertification, women have to redirect their
increase in temperature levels, or rainfall
attention from childcare to search for water and
patterns, indirect impacts also play a major role.
firewood for their livelihoods and sustenance.
These include changes in other species such as
This proves to be harmful to the women’s
pollinators, pests, disease vectors and invasive
physical as well as mental well-being and the
species. Pests and diseases are likely to move in

Climate crisis and malnutrition - a case for acting now. UN World Food Programme. (n.d.).
17

https://www.wfp.org/publications/climate-crisis-and-malnutrition-case-acting-now

14
the direction of climate change. Consequently, In various regions, climate change is contributing
previously immune areas are exposed to diseases to decreased productivity and waning of trees
they are unprepared for and hence do not have from drought and temperature stress, increased
measures to manage and control them with wind and water erosion, increased storm
potentially enhancing negative impacts. Multiple damage, increased frequency of forest fires,
reports believe that the direction of yield will saltwater intrusion and sea level rise, and
change in many major agricultural regions at damage from coastal storms. This hampers
both low and high latitudes, with strong negative forests from contributing to the resilience of
impacts especially at higher levels of warming agricultural systems, such as regulating the water
and at low latitudes. Four major crop groups of and temperature at the landscape level and the
grains, oil seeds, wheat and rice will have a provision of habitats for a variety of species.
reduction in yield by at least 17 percent globally.
This is particularly threatening considering these Fisheries
four crop crops account for more than 70 percent
of global crop harvest. Climate change affects commercial fisheries and
the development of aquaculture in marine and
freshwater environments. This is a result of an
increase in temperature, storm systems,
acidification, or an increase in salinity content.
Incidences of coral reef bleaching have been on
the rise, threatening the extinction of habitats of
about 25 percent of marine species.
Reorganisation of global marine fish is forecast
on a huge scale, with a decrease of up to 40 per
cent in the tropics, and an increase of 30 to 70 per
Disruption in the Crop Production cent in high-latitude regions.18 In the
Source: World Economic Forum Mediterranean, many invasive species have
arrived from lower-latitude regions at an
Livestock and Forest Resources alarmingly fast rate. Riverine fish and their
abundance and diversity are particularly
The most grave impacts are experienced in
sensitive to disturbances in the quantity and
animal productivity and health as well as yields of
timing of water flows. Hence this will have a
forages and feed crops. In various countries in
profound impact on the coastal communities
sub-Saharan Africa, 20 to 60 per cent losses in
who depend on the vital water bodies as a source
animal numbers were recorded during serious
of income and livelihood.
drought events in the past decades. In South
Africa, dairy yields may decrease by 10 to 25 per Economic Loss
cent because of climate change. Increased
temperatures and reduced precipitation can At the farm or household level, climate change
cause important drops in fodder production. can lower income and stability by affecting
productivity rates and prices. Farmers are often
forced to sell off their productive assets, like

Climate change and food security: Risks and responses. (n.d.-b).

18

https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a4fd8ac5-4582-4a66-91b0-55abf642a400/content

15
cattle, making them lose any long-term Iraq and Syria, water shortages have been
investments that might help them to survive. exploited, with terror groups illegally controlling
Poorest farmers will be affected most by water infrastructure to impose their will on
weather-related income changes. At the national communities. Climate change has a multiplier
level, climate risks can lead to disruptions in effect, potentially instigating further instability,
agricultural production and food availability, conflict, and terrorism.19
potentially curtailing market stability and
affecting supply and storage systems. This can The compounded effect of these factors
drive up agricultural commodity prices, making undermines a nation’s food security. The inability
food less accessible and stable for the population, to implement effective measures to counteract
especially in countries where many people spend the adverse effects of climate change can be used
a large portion of their income on food. Globally, to convince the public of the government’s
climate change impacts supply chains and can incompetence.
cause food price spikes, leading to market
volatility, changes in import/export behaviour, International conflicts
and disruptions in trade patterns.
Climate change is an indirect factor influencing
BARRIERS conflict, potentially worsening it under certain
conditions. With the intensification of the
Geopolitical Tensions climate crisis in the future, migration of people
away from their homes towards search of secure
Political instability circumstances will develop at alarming rates.
This will be a result of everything ranging from
Climate change can increase pressure on desertification to rising sea levels. The groups
governmental organizations and institutions, most vulnerable under these cases include those
hindering their ability to provide essential who had to flee their country due to conflict and
services to the public. This often fuels mistrust are now feeling the effects of a hostile climate.
and grievances among the populace, leading These people have little to no chance of ever
individuals to seek support from illegal returning to their homelands.
organizations for survival. The loss of livelihoods
leaves populations in desperation, making the One of the most gut-wrenching images of the
promises of protection, income, and justice environmental cost of conflict was during the first
offered by such groups more appealing, while the Gulf War. This was when 700 of Kuwait’s oil fields
true agendas of these groups often go unnoticed. were set ablaze and the smoke plume above
them initially stretched for 800 miles. An
In the Lake Chad Basin region, Boko Haram has international coalition of firefighters bravely
recruited members from local communities who tackled the fires for months, losing many
are apprehensive towards the government due to valuable lives until the last well was finally
a lack of economic opportunities and access to capped in November 1991. The horrifying effects
essential resources. Environmental degradation of this disaster are still felt today with more than
enables terror groups to extend their influence 90 per cent of the contaminated soil still
and manipulate resources to their advantage. In

United Nations. (n.d.-f). Climate change “a multiplier effect”, aggravating instability, conflict, terrorism, secretary-
19

general warns Security Council | Meetings Coverage and press releases. United Nations.
https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm21074.doc.htm

16
exposed.20 Some more such instances include the assistance to affected areas. Additionally, the
negative effects of the mass migration of lack of flexibility in financing grants hampers the
refugees on the environment and the ability to address the urgent needs of developing
desertification of lands rendered uninhabitable countries effectively.
by the bombings and landmines.
Ecological Imbalance
A common observation is that during political
Climate change plays a role in the decline of
crises, the scarcity of resources will intensify and
biodiversity in ecosystems. Climate change has
cause large-scale food shortages. Climate change
altered marine, terrestrial, and freshwater
adds to this issue, with its long-lasting and far-
ecosystems across the globe. It has caused the
reaching impacts further straining agricultural
loss of local species, increased diseases, and
systems and resource availability. The
driven mass mortality of plants and animals,
interconnection of conflict and climate
resulting in the first climate-driven extinctions.
disruption creates an unstable situation, where
This leads to a stark decline in biodiversity. This
the challenges of securing sufficient food become
gives rise to unsuitable conditions for crop
increasingly intimidating and challenging.
cultivation in proximity to water bodies. It often
Humanitarian Aid and Access results in diminished food production,
compelling farmers to relinquish their lands. The
Funding in climate-vulnerable countries remains health of these ecosystems is also affected due to
one of the most significant challenges faced influential shifts in the distribution of plants,
globally. Over a decade ago, high-income nations animals, and human settlements. This increases
pledged US$100 billion annually in climate the unwanted chance of spreading diseases via
finance to low-income countries. However, this animals which can spill over to humans too. The
long-standing commitment has yet to be rise in diseases adversely impacts the quality of
fulfilled, with little indication of imminent crops cultivated. The contaminants such as
progress. Several issues have been identified, excessive chemical use, and polluted water
including shortfalls in delivery, opacity in donor resources may cause the crop to pose health risks
accounting, access problems, and the increasing to humans.
prevalence of loans in the funding portfolio.21
Given that developed countries contribute the Trade Disruption
most to the climate crisis while bearing the least
Climate change effects such as extreme weather
of its impacts, it is incumbent upon them to lead
conditions raise the cost of trade by damaging
the mobilisation of funds to support poorer
the transport infrastructure and posing a
nations in addressing this crisis. Beyond the
challenge in the exchange of agricultural produce
absence of adequate financial aid, the lengthy
between nations. It can also cause productivity
and rigid process of securing funding presents a
losses, supply shortages and transport
significant hurdle. The timeline from project
disruptions, severely impacting trade. Export
formation to submission and approval can
growth of agricultural products from least
extend from one to two years, delaying critical
developed countries has been found to decrease

20
Climate change. Unfccc.int. (n.d.-b). https://unfccc.int/news/conflict-and-climate
21
Climate Finance and the USD 100 billion goal. OECD. (n.d.). https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/climate-
finance-and-the-usd-100-billion-goal.html#:~:text=Share-
,About,actions%20and%20transparency%20on%20implementation

17
by 2 to 5.7 per cent with a rise in the country’s and populations. This situation risks increasing
temperature of every 1°C. Maritime transport is inequality between countries once again. The
under particular threat by climate change as it impacts of climate change also threaten to
accounts for more than 80 per cent of world exacerbate inequality within countries. In the
trade. Small economies and landlocked poorest economies, a large portion of the
countries, which trade through a limited number population relies heavily on the agricultural,
of ports and routes, can suffer major trade forestry, and fisheries sectors, which are among
challenges from climate-related disasters. As the first to be affected by climate change.
Agriculture is the most vulnerable sector with
minute changes in temperature or precipitation Since these individuals depend on nature for
it is raising serious concerns about future food their livelihoods, they are consistently the most
security. impacted. Rising sea levels and increasing
groundwater salinity worsen pre-existing
For instance, the Paraná River transports 90 per disparities in access to clean water and affordable
cent of Paraguay’s international trade of food. The most marginalised populations often
agricultural goods, but recurrent droughts have lack access to essential mitigation resources,
in recent years frequently lowered water levels, financial reserves, and technological innovations
causing congestion and delays as it decreases the that could help rebuild their livelihoods. As a
volumes of goods that can be transported result, they are particularly vulnerable to the
through. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia devastating impacts of climate disasters, which
having a high share of agricultural employment can completely uproot their lives with little hope
may face more severe labour market disruptions of recovery.
and agricultural yield shocks over other regions.
Another example is the Panama Canal which Rapid Urbanisation
transports over 40 million tons of goods—
Rapid urbanisation is making people more
constituting about 5 percent of global maritime
vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
trade. However, the worst drought in the canal’s
More than half the world’s population today live
143-year history has caused water levels to
in cities, and another 2.5 billion people are
recede, significantly limiting ship passage and
expected to join them by 2050.23 Densely
disrupting global trade markets.22
populated cities like New York, Mumbai and
Status Discrimination Jakarta have seen a massive rise in the intensity
and frequency of torrential rain, where the worst
In recent decades, global economic growth has is borne by the people living in isolated and
been on a steady rise, lifting millions out of marginalised communities such as the slums.
extreme poverty and reducing inequalities This causes a rise in socioeconomic disparities,
between countries. However, this hard-earned leaving communities in slums with insufficient
progress is under threat of reversal due to the access to vital food resources. The ever-increasing
unmanaged climate crisis, which population also elevates the demand for food
disproportionately affects the poorest regions supplies; however, the conversion of arable land

22
Arslanalp, S., Koepke, R., Sozzi, A., & Verschuur, J. Climate change is disrupting global trade. IMF.
https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2023/11/15/climate-change-is-disrupting-global-trade
23
UNFCCC. int. (n.d.-d). https://unfccc.int/news/rapid-urbanization-increases-climate-risk-for-billions-of-people

18
into housing for urban residents poses a organisations to help mitigate the solution and
significant challenge in meeting these needs. address hunger and poverty through
development programs. Some of the initiatives
CASE STUDIES taken by the WFP are training, seed funding, and
technical assistance.25
Columbia
Finland
Ranking 64th on the Global Food Security Index
2022, Colombia shows a slight improvement by Ranking 1st on the Global Food Security Index
having a decrease of 5 percent in food insecurity, 2022, Finland has almost the perfect desired
with 13 million people facing moderate or severe results in all the categories that label a nation as
food insecurity - down from 15 million the food secure. The prevalence of
previous year.24 Of the 15.5 million Colombians undernourishment is 2.5 percent which is very
who are food insecure, 2.1 million are severely impressive considering the statistics of other
food insecure and 13.4 million are moderately nations.
food insecure.
Finland has the goal to achieve a net-zero climate
Although there is an improvement, half of the target by 2035 and soon after achieve the lowest
Colombian households are in a situation of levels of carbon emissions.26 Additionally, there
marginal food security and are continuing to be has been a target to cease biodiversity loss by
at risk due to external shocks. The major impacts 2030. Even though there are targets set in
faced are because of El Nino and La Nina which different directions, the main priority is given to
gives rise to variations in water flows and the risk food security. Continuous efforts are being put in
of forest fire. Additionally, this causes food prices to ensure that the relatively high level of food
to show an unstable trend which can deeply security and self-sufficiency in food production is
affect the citizens, more specifically the poorer maintained. They also have aimed to develop the
section. Even if there has been an increment in region and local-based food systems to distribute
the household capacity to purchase food since the production and to mainly affirm that every
the year 2022, according to a report in February citizen gets ample amounts of food resources for
2024, 43 percent of households are still facing survival.
severe difficulties in accessing food since last
The nation is very supportive of developing
year.
countries' agricultural growth to improve
worldwide food security. The Finnish also support
WFP has taken the responsibility of working hand
and promote agricultural research and
in hand with several institutions and
wholeheartedly support farmers’ organisations.

24
Colombia sees a modest improvement in food security but half of the population remains exposed to climatic and
economic risks: World Food Programme. UN World Food Programme. (n.d.-b). https://www.wfp.org/news/colombia-
sees-modest-improvement-food-security-half-population-remains-exposed-climatic-and
25
Colombia: Productive and food secure territories for a peaceful and resilient Cauca. Sustainable Development Goals
Fund. https://www.sdgfund.org/case-study/colombia-productive-and-food-secure-territories-peaceful-and-
resilient-cauca
26
Finland. Home - Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land-Use, and Energy (FABLE) Consortium. (n.d.).
https://fableconsortium.org/finland/

19
Furthermore, Finland helps in mitigation of and provisions lead to numerous cases of starvation
adaptation to climate at all levels– international and malnutrition throughout the world.28
to grassroots levels. 27
World Food Programme (WFP)
PAST INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS
The vast majority of people in the world face
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) hunger as a consequence of climate change. WFP
focuses on combating it by ensuring that food-
An organisation specifically focused on food insecure communities can prepare for, face and
security was established at the United Nations in recover from the climatic shocks and operations.
1945. With the goal of achieving a world free from WFP also implements climate risk management
hunger, the FAO has developed a wide range of solutions in 42 countries, benefiting more than 15
resolutions. One of its recent strategies involves million people. Food security begins from the
looking beyond food production to encompass roots which is ensuring that disaster-stricken
domains such as livestock, ecosystems, and communities can bounce back with proper
biodiversity. This strategy aims to build resilience restoration of the agricultural systems. Up to
against climate change in the context of food 2021, WFP has rehabilitated 1.6 million hectares
security and aligns with the principles of the Paris of degraded land, built 111,000 water ponds and
Agreement, with a tentative deadline of 2031. planted 60,000 hectares of forests.
The optimal solution derived from various Simultaneously, WFP helps in developing early
discussions to address climate change is the warning systems to trigger humanitarian action
transformation of agrifood systems before the climate change impacts are even felt
as this could save them from major damage and
United Nations Environment Programme could help in preparing to combat the same. 29
(UNEP)
PAST RESOLUTIONS
The United Nations Environment Programme
worked towards understanding the linkages Plan of Action on World Food Security - 1996
between climate change and security. The term
security included food and water shortage and The World Food Summit under the guidance of
competition over natural resources. The the FAO and the UN initiated the idea of taking
international report “A New Climate for Peace” immediate action against the imbalance in the
published in 2015 aimed to discuss seven key rights of humans to have access to proper
compound climate and fragility risks that needed hygienic and healthy food. It is the basic right of
immediate action. The volatile food prices and every human to be free from hunger yet in reality,
the circumstances are much different and
infeasible as people around the world are denied

27
Food security and natural resources. (n.d.-e).
https://um.fi/documents/35732/48132/food_security_and_natural_resources__including_access_to_water_and/dd74
30a1-a30e-1f8c-129f-cd9c8e5e9c91?t=1525690524377
28
United Nations. (n.d.-f). Climate action can help fight hunger, avoid conflicts, official tells Security Council, urging
greater investment in adaptation, resilience, clean energy | meetings coverage and press releases. United Nations.
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15589.doc.htm
29
Climate action: World Food Programme. UN World Food Programme. (n.d.-a). https://www.wfp.org/climate-action

20
their right due to their economic shortage. The improvement is imbalanced between and within
man-made and natural disasters affect the the regions.31
growth of this produce and lead to a shortage in
food supply. The plan ensures protection against CONCLUSION
these situations by being best prepared and able
Global food security has been one of the more
to meet transitory and emergency requirements
pressing concerns of this century. For decades it
with proper recovery, rehabilitation,
has faced constant threats from various political,
development and stock enough to fulfil further
and economic factors but in recent years climate
needs. 30
change has emerged as a major driver of food
United Nations Millennium Declaration - insecurity. Climate impacts agricultural
2000 productivity, food availability and livelihoods,
particularly in low-income countries. In these
The effective 3-day summit held from 6th to 8th regions immediate action is crucial. Policymakers
September 2000 in the United Nations filled with across the globe must unite to address this critical
global leaders gave rise to the Millenium issue and mitigate the disruptions caused by
Declaration which was the main documentation climate change. This will require significant
inclusive of the goals, values and principles to be investments towards innovative technologies
achieved and followed on an international scale and infrastructure to support those most
for the twenty-first century. It had shown affected. Fostering equitable distribution of
emphasis on all the basic human rights and resources and inculcating more sustainable
privileges that had to be imparted to every citizen practices must become standard practice. Not
globally. In addition to a key focus on just for the current generations but for the future
globalisation, it also highlighted the need for the ones as well, we must build more climate-
eradication of hunger. The domain of resilient food systems. Our singular goal must be
undernutrition covered foetal growth restriction, to ensure a future where access to food is a
stunting, wasting and deficiencies of vitamin A fundamental right, not a privilege, even in the
and zinc, along with suboptimal breastfeeding. face of the climate crisis.
Ultimately, this is one of the general causes of
death in an estimated 45 per cent of all deaths
among children of age under 5 years. The targets
were set to be achieved by 2015. A major
achievement accomplished included the
proportion of underweight children in
developing countries decreased from 28 per cent
to 17 per cent between the years 1990 and 2013.
Although this enhancement seems promising,
the only flaw is that the distribution of the

30
Rome declaration on world food security. Rome Declaration and Plan of Action. (n.d.-b).
https://www.fao.org/4/w3613e/w3613e00.htm#:~:text=1.,national%2C%20regional%20and%20global%20levels

United Nations. (n.d.-m). United Nations Millennium Declaration. United Nations.

31

https://www.un.org/en/development/devagenda/millennium.shtml

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