POSITION PAPER
Portfolio : The United Kingdoms
Committee : United Nations Environmental Programme
Agenda : Deliberation on the global energy crisis with special emphasis on recent conflicts
I. Introduction
i. Recent Conflicts affecting the state of the energy crisis - The ongoing conflict between
Russia and Ukraine has had significant repercussions on various aspects, particularly in
relation to the energy sector. The disruption in supply and demand, as well as import and
export activities, has resulted in an energy crisis. The import and export of energy
resources from Russia play a vital role in meeting the energy needs of numerous
countries, with a daily export of 8 barrels of oil prior to the dispute. Consequently, this
has had far-reaching implications across the spectrum of sustainability, encompassing
economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Moreover, the turmoil has caused
significant disruptions in countries heavily reliant on energy imports and exports,
exacerbating their existing energy and resource challenges.
ii. The core reason to the 2021-2023 energy crisis - It is worth noting that this conflict
emerged amidst a global lockdown, when many nations were already grappling with
energy crises .As numerous countries continue to make strides towards economic
recovery, the use of natural gas for electricity generation has seen a significant increase
this year. Unfortunately, this surge in energy consumption has coincided with a rise in
energy inflation, posing a threat to households and businesses across the globe. This
aspect of the ongoing energy crisis is especially devastating and has severe repercussions
for many developing nations. Moreover, there is also cause for concern as several
countries are rapidly depleting their coal reserves due to excessive mining activities. The
cumulative effect of these factors is pushing the world into a dire state of the energy
crisis.The UNEP has noted that the current energy situation represents a significant
global challenge, affecting nations across all continents and impacting citizens
worldwide. As a united global community, it is imperative that all address this crisis by
prioritizing the concerns and openly discussing policies.
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II. The United Kingdom’s stance
1. The Global Energy Crjsis 2021-2023 - One of the most significant crises that the United
Kingdoms had faced is the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had a profound
impact on the country's economy, healthcare system, and social fabric. The government
has responded by implementing strict lockdown measures, ramping up testing and
vaccination efforts, and providing financial support to individuals and businesses affected
by the pandemic.
2. The Brexit - Another crisis that the United Kingdoms is grappling with is the aftermath of
Brexit. The country's decision to leave the European Union has created a host of
challenges, including trade disruptions, regulatory changes, and uncertainty about the
future of the country's relationship with its European neighbours. The government has
been working to negotiate new trade deals and establish new regulatory frameworks to
mitigate the impact of Brexit.
3. Environmental Condition - In addition to these crises, the United Kingdoms is also facing
significant environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and
pollution. The government has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and protect the country's natural resources, and is implementing a range of policies and
initiatives to achieve these goals.
4. Overall, the United Kingdoms is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges
it faces, and is demonstrating a commitment to effective governance and responsible
stewardship of its resources. While there are undoubtedly significant obstacles to
overcome, the country's willingness to confront these challenges head-on bodes well for
its future prospects.
III. Proposed Solutions
1. Learning from past experiences - Recognizing the valuable potential for personal
growth and increased effectiveness, productivity, and wisdom that can be derived
from one's past experiences, the delegation emphasizes the importance of learning
from history. Each country has its own unique experiences and has been affected
differently by the conflicts that have taken place in recent years. Therefore, it is
crucial for all nations to maintain a comprehensive record of the fundamental causes
of crises within their respective territories.
2. Documentation and Analyzation - Understanding the root causes of crises is essential
for preventing their recurrence and finding effective solutions. By documenting and
analyzing the factors that led to conflicts, countries can gain valuable insights into the
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underlying issues and develop strategies to address them. This comprehensive record
can serve as a guide for future decision-making and policy formulation, enabling
nations to make informed choices and avoid repeating past mistakes.
3. Learning curve of the 1970 crisis - One particular crisis that holds significant lessons
is the 1970 energy crisis. This event had a profound impact on the global energy
landscape and shaped the United Nations' perspective on addressing energy-related
challenges. By studying this crisis and its aftermath, nations can gain valuable
insights into the consequences of energy shortages and the importance of diversifying
energy sources. They can also learn about the measures that were taken to mitigate
the crisis and the long-term effects of those actions.
4. Utilisation - This knowledge can help nations develop more resilient energy systems,
promote sustainable practices, and ensure energy security for their citizens. In
conclusion, the delegation urges all nations to recognize the valuable potential for
personal growth and increased effectiveness, productivity, and wisdom that can be
derived from one's past experiences.
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