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Topic 1: Easing the Effects of Population on Climate Change

The world’s climate is steadily changing, but in the last few centuries, temperature has increased by a record of 0.73 Celsius and has been predicted to continue rising by as much as 0.6 Celsius by 2100. The 20th century saw a tremendous rise in industrial production and rapid population growth; the last thirteen years have seen the ten warmest years globally since 1880. The rise in human activity and population growth in both developing and developed nations will contribute to the majority of the growth in carbon emissions from fossil fuels such as petroleum and methane. According to the 2006’s International Atomic Agency report on climate change, population growth is a contributor to carbon dioxide emissions; the Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change in 2007 suggests that population growth and gross domestic product per capita were the main drivers of greenhouse emissions especially in the last three decades of the 20th century. Pollution consequences include water scarcities, food and health crises, mass migrations, weaken economies, and overall destruction of livelihoods that directly affects climate change in the longer run if measures are not taken to ease global warming and greenhouse emissions.

As population continues to grow, countries will face increasing challenges to provide the basic needs for their people. Therefore, UNFPA focuses on sustaining population growth in order to help decrease climate change. Climate change has often been viewed as a scientific issue; but the human dimension is currently becoming a forerunner in this multi-faceted problem. The major discussion of the issue will concern population and the ways in which UNFPA can sustain population trends and dynamics to decrease the effects of climate change. Population dynamics include maternal and child mortality rates, immigration and emigration, birth rates and other factors. It will be important for the committee to look at which factors impact the most from climate change, and what type of solutions should be implemented. In addition, many developing nations lack the resources to supply their growing population with its needs; the effects of climate change increase the risks of poverty and other hardships on whole societies.

Topic 2: Improving Access to Obstetric Care

Obstetric fistula usually occurs when a hole in the birth canal develops due to the lack of medical intervention to increase blood supply to the tissue areas around the genital areas; babies do not often survive during the prolonged labor. If left untreated, the woman may experience ulcerations, kidney diseases, nerve damage, and more. Simple treatments such as reconstructive surgery can treat obstetric fistula, and the success rate is up to 90 percent for uncomplicated cases. Highly developed countries have virtually diminished the number of obstetric fistula cases due to proper medical treatment.

Still, according to UNFPA, two million women suffer from obstetric fistula worldwide, and obstetric fistula remains a hidden international issue because women do not reach out for the services they desperately need. Most women with this condition do not know that treatment is available or simply cannot afford it. Because of the woman's inability to control her bowels, women are often shunned by their husbands and families and ostracized by the community. Psychological and physical injuries leave women with very few limited options for financial stability, and often women have to rely on others for survival. In addition, social isolation causes women severe humiliation and worthlessness.

The continual occurrence of obstetric fistula is a sign that health services are failing to met the needs of maternal health. Therefore, UNFPA committee must closely look at this international issues to discuss ways in which to improve health services and the status of women. The various aspects of obstetric fistula are well under the realm of UNFPA's mandate: reproductive health, gender equality, poverty, adolescent health, and human rights In addition, the UNFPA programs and campaigns to end maternal mortality make it a qualified committee to handle this problem. Obstetric fistula is an easily treatable and preventable problem; in fact, the average cost of fistula treatment and post – operative care is about US$300. UNFPA will mainly focus on the fistulas when discussing working papers and solutions though the general obstetric care will also be discussed. The goal of this committee will be to mainly look at ways for prevention in order to significantly impact maternal health.