United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 40-60 delegates
NOTE: This is a double-delegation (2 delegates per country) committee.
topic: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest, spanning nine countries and 6 million square kilometers, is crucial to global diversity and carbon absorption. The area is referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” producing between 6 and 9 percent of the world's total oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. However, 18 percent of the rainforest has been lost to industries such as rubber and timber extraction, cattle ranching, and soy production. This deforestation has been exacerbated by forest fires deliberately ignited by corporations to quickly clear land under the lax regulations of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. Scientists warn that continued deforestation could lead to a feedback loop of decreased rainfall, higher temperatures, and increased vulnerability to drought and fires. Meanwhile, the Amazon now emits more carbon dioxide than it can absorb. Reducing deforestation is essential to protect biodiversity and reduce climate impacts in the region.
COMMITTEE DETAILS
In this committee, delegates will explore ways to protect the Amazon rainforest while considering the significant economic benefits derived from the extraction of its resources. Discussions should focus on reducing the Amazon’s net carbon emissions and preserving its exceptional biodiversity. Delegates should also discuss regulating corporate land use and deforestation. Additionally, delegates must evaluate the impact of these policies on local populations, Latin America, and the global economy, ensuring that environmental protection aligns with economic and social considerations.
CHAIR: Ashley sorato
ABOUT THE CHAIR
Ashley Sorato is a member of the class of 2027 studying Global Business, Tech, Ethics, and Society and calls Florida home! Ashley has competed with the Georgetown Model UN team for over a year and has traveled to conferences in Boston, North Carolina, Canada, Atlanta and Chicago. She is currently the Under-Secretary-General of Contemporary Crisis for NAIMUN LXII and the chair of the UNDEF General Assembly committee at Georgetown's collegiate conference, NCSC LII. Outside of MUN, Ashley is the Deputy Chair of the School of Foreigmn Service’s Community Engagement committee, teaching local high schools about current events and international affairs. She also founded the Georgetown chapter of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law professional fraternity. Ashley can speak five languages and LOVES to listen to music. She is excited to serve as the Chair of UNEP and share her passion for public speaking and international affairs!
CHAIR: caroline dupas
ABOUT THE CHAIR
Caroline Dupas is a member of Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service’s class of 2027 studying International Politics with a concentration in International Law. She is originally from New York, has been passionate about Model UN since her freshman year of high school, and currently competes with Georgetown’s Model UN team as a member of team leadership. Last year, Caroline was a chair for DistrictMUN’s Joint Crisis Committee and had an amazing experience! She has also staffed NCSC, Georgetown’s collegiate conference, and NAIMUN, Georgetown’s high school conference, for two years, and additionally is the former Under-Secretary General of Councils & Boards for NCSC. Outside of Model UN, Caroline is involved in Delta Phi Epsilon, a foreign service sorority, GU Politics, and teaches swimming lessons to kids in DC. You can also find her binging reality TV (the Bachelor, Survivor, Dance Moms), eating at the Cheesecake Factory, or failing the NYT Connections! Caroline is so excited to serve as a Co-Chair for UNEP and help create an amazing DISTRICTMUN experience for everyone!