Overview

The 31st annual Conference of Parties (COP 31) is the annual conference held by the UN that addresses climate change. Held this year in Antalya, Türkiye, COP 31 is organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and will have 198 participating states that will gather to advance the goals set forth by the Paris Agreement. Some of the major objectives include moving away from fossil fuel dependence, emission reduction, and sustainable development. In this committee, delegates will be responsible for engaging with the critical effects of climate change and collaborating to find solutions that balance competing interests and capacities across countries.

Topic 1: Climate Adaptation in Extreme Heat Regions

The first topic of this committee is the loss of biodiversity due to climate change. Biodiversity loss is a key issue this year, as wildlife populations of flora and fauna are sharply declining, which creates negative feedback loops in the ecosystem, further damaging the environment. These feedback loops can spiral out of control and contribute to larger climate issues, such as carbon emissions from forest fires, death of crucial ecosystems like coral reefs, and many more. Additionally, loss of biodiversity includes the threat to make endangered species, many of whom are particularly vulnerable because of other factors created by climate change. Finally, a loss of biodiversity can destroy food chains and manipulate migration patterns, which is especially threatening to the fishing industry and those who rely on it. Delegates will examine biodiversity loss as both a cause and effect of climate change, and attempt to mitigate its effects.

Topic 2: Global Water Scarcity and Water Management

Topic two addresses the water scarcity crisis around the world. Climate change has changed precipitation levels around the world and increased evaporation, which has led to a significant shortage of water. According to the UN, by 2050, the number of people who will live in severely water-scarce areas will rise to 3.2 billion people. Many vulnerable regions face poor management of resources, climate patterns, and overuse. Water scarcity has widespread effects, from the economic stability of the impacted countries to food security, as water is an essential part of agricultural production. Delegates will have to find strategies that address the varying levels of water management infrastructure across countries and ways to aid areas in which water scarcity has hit the hardest.