World Health Organization

Topic: A
Air Pollution

WHO Topic A
Aruba

Topic A: Air Pollution

Many different areas of the world have suffered from too much air pollution. Outdoor pollution

is mainly caused by factories, dirty coal, and fossil fuel smoke stacks. Indoor pollution is caused

by household stoves of coal, wood, or biomass types. In 2012, around 7 million people died as a

result of air pollution, the equivalent to one in eight total global deaths in the year 2012 (3). Also,

according to data from the U.N. and the World Health Organization, there are about 3.5 million

deaths due to indoor pollution, 3.3 million deaths caused by outdoor air pollution, and 0.5

million deaths from a combination of indoor and outdoor pollution each year. This makes the

number of deaths from air pollution more than the amount of deaths from AIDS and malaria

combined each year (2). Air pollution exposure from both indoor and outdoor pollution can lead

to decreased lung function and respiratory ailments along with increasing the risk of diseases

such as strokes, heart diseases, and cancer. Also, about 37 million children live in areas with

unclean and polluted air, and, because children are smaller than adults, they proportionally inhale

more toxins from the air than adults, making them more prone to diseases (3). Air pollution

affects the health and wellbeing of different people.

Unlike most areas of the world, Aruba has never had any major issues with air pollution and

currently has very clean air. Due to Aruba’s small population of only about 103,000 people,

WHO Topic A
Aruba does not create much indoor pollution from household appliances. There are not enough

people to be truly affecting the air. Aruba’s main industries are tourism, transshipment facilities,

and banking (1). None of Aruba’s main industries create much air pollution or affect the air

quality. Tourism may cause some trash, but having more people does not affect the outdoor

pollution. The transshipment facilities are mainly overseas, so any pollution caused does not go

into the air. Banking is all maintained in buildings that do not release any extra fumes into the

atmosphere. Because of Aruba’s small size and population, along with its lack of industries

which release harmful pollutants, Aruba does not have much of an issue with air pollution and

has not needed to do anything about air pollution.

Though Aruba is fortunate enough to not have an issue with air pollution, other countries

are not as lucky. As a global community, Aruba believes that it is necessary to raise awareness of

the dangers of air pollution and attempt to share clean air alternatives with each other to decrease

the amount of pollutants in the air. If this is done, there will be a larger public demand for better,

more caring environmental practices, which may inspire governments to enact regulations to

prevent air pollution. Countries should also start moving towards and creating more and more

ways to create clean energy, such as wind and solar energy, which do not pollute the air and are

renewable ways of creating energy. People should also do small things to prevent air pollution,

such as turning off unused electronics, reusing/recycling grocery bags. These seemingly small

tasks could significantly decrease the amount of indoor pollutants released. Different countries

and nations can come together and help rid the world of the issue of air pollution.

1. "Aruba." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
2. Richard, Michael G. "Air Pollution." MNN. N.p., 26 Apr. 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
3. "WHO Background Guide." Cleveland Council on World Affairs. World Health Organization, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.

WHO Topic A
Chad

Air Pollution

With regards to the issue of air pollution, Chad believes that air pollution really is a major

issue for the entire world as a whole. It is an issue that causes problems for earth and effects all

of us, and so everyone should work together and cooperate to create a viable solution for this

issue. According to clencookstoves.org, every year in Chad alone, 800 people die from outdoor

air pollution. One major contributor to air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. In order to

reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned, governments can be encouraged to put forth money to

fund viable, alternate energy sources. Another major contributor to air pollution is ammonia

which is commonly used in fertilizers and insecticides. Nations could also put forward money to

find alternate ways to strengthen crops. One way would be to genetically modify plants or crops

to grow more and be more resistant to pests, so that fertilizer and insecticide wouldn’t need to be

used as much.

Works Cited

1) "WHO | World Health Organization." WHO | World Health Organization. Web. 15 Oct.

2014. <http://www.who.int>.

WHO Topic A
 2) "Chad." Chad. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.cleancookstoves.org/countries/africa/chad.html>.

3) "What Is Air Pollution?" Conserve-Energy-Future. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-

Costa Rica

Air Pollution in Costa Rica

           According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 7 million people died in 2012, as a result of
air pollution, or 1 in 8 global deaths.  The industrialization of our world is largely responsible, with
vehicular & industrial emissions polluting the air that we breathe.  Deforestation has also contributed to
the excess carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.  Costa Rica, a small country in Central America,
known for its progressive environmental policies was voted the “greenest” country in the world in 2009,
with plans to be the 1st carbon neutral country by 2021.
Costa Rica has a “green growth strategy”, meaning that they are committed to growing their
economy in responsible ways that protect the environment and the inherent natural resources of the land.
Current policy includes a focus on carbon neutrality, increasing hydropower, eco-tourism and
management of forests.  Mining is banned, as is oil and gas exploration (for a three year period).  Costa
Rica has successfully reversed its previously high deforestation rate.  The government has also pursued
industries with minimal air pollution emissions (pharmaceuticals, software development), and mandated
auto emissions testing. Costa Rica’s Environment Minister, Edgar Gutierrez explains, “Costa Rica wants
fair development created without polluting the environment.  Extractive industries like petroleum and
open-pit mining have no place here”.
The World Health Organization ranks Costa Rica at 31 of 282 countries, in purity of air quality.
However, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), for 2014, ranks Costa Rica 54th of 178 countries,
which was a huge drop from its third place ranking in 2010.  Although the EPI rating does not focus
exclusively on air pollution, it does reflect on the performance of a country’s environmental policies.
Current strategies for improving air quality in Costa Rica continue to focus on reducing carbon emissions,
by reformulating fuels, promoting vehicle fleets, and rethinking public transportation systems.  Cars over
15 years old emit 70% of pollutants, and therefore emissions testing must be a continued focus.
Another focus to improve air quality is to ensure that environmental laws are based on scientific
facts, are clearly written, enforced and punished to the full extent of the law.  Last but not least,
Environmental Minister Gutierrez, who even drives a car that runs on hydrogen, calls for “social
environmentalism” to challenge each and every citizen to get involved in reducing their own carbon
footprint. The carbon neutrality goal of 2021 depends on it.

WHO Topic A
 Works Cited

“Air Pollution in Costa Rica.” The Good Air Lady. Web. 7 October 2014.   

  <http://www.thegoodairlady.com/air_pollution_in_costa_rica_000237.html>.      

“Background Guide: World health Organization (WHO).” Cleveland Council on World

Affairs. Web. 7 October 2014.    <WHO Background Guide>.

“Beyond the Frame: Developing a Holistic Picture of Costa Rica’s Environmental

Performance.”

Breanna Lujan, Yale College. Web. 7 October 2014.

<http://epi.yale.edu/case-study/beyond-frame-developing-holistic-picture-costa-ricas-enviro  nme
ntal-performance>.   

“Costa Rica Air Quality Internationally Recognized by World Health Organization.”

TCRN (The Costa Rican News). Web. 7 October 2014.

<http://thecostaricanews.com/costa-rica-air-quality-internationally-recognized-by- world-
health-organization/20057>.       

“Meet Costa Rica’s New Environment Minister.” The Solis Administration. Web. 7

October 2014. <http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/05/08/meet-costa-ricas-new- environment-

minister-2>.          

WHO Topic A
Djibouti

Topic A: Air Pollution

The Republic of Djibouti, located on the Eastern coast of Africa, and separated from

Yemen by the Red Sea, has become increasingly urbanized, especially from the 1950s to the

1970s, contributing greatly to the rise in air pollution in the region. As a trade gateway to Eastern

Africa, Djibouti has experienced high rates of industrialization, urbanization, and migration to

cities, especially of rural peoples, political refugees, and foreign workers. Lack of awareness and

resources in the region have contributed to the relatively low air quality and weak control of the

situation. The major sources of pollution in the area are dust storms, sandstorms, greenhouse gas

emission, and other gases from various industries. The main air pollutants involved are

particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, ammonia, volatile organic compounds,

persistent organic pollutants, carbon monoxide and heavy metals.

The region has taken steps in recent years to curb the rise of air pollution. The Eastern

Africa Sub-Regional Workshop on Better Air Quality in Cities brought together 11 countries:

Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan,

Tanzania, Uganda and Djibouti. The objective was to develop targets to address air pollution in

several key areas. These areas were Transport, Industry and Mining, Energy, Waste, Vegetation

Fires, Indoor Air pollution Urban Planning and Management, and Regional and National

WHO Topic A
Environmental Governance. The conference was divided into two sessions. The first was the

Policy Session, held on 21 and 22 October 2008 and identified the main urban air pollution

issues in the region as well as developed policy recommendations to address the issues. The

Ministerial Session, held on 23 October, furthered the policy recommendation discussions. The

Ministers present at this session agree to and adopted the Eastern Africa Regional Framework

Agreement on Air Pollution, also known as the Nairobi Agreement.

Another workshop, Regional Workshop on the Costs and Benefits of Clean Fuels and

Vehicles, that convened 19 countries in the region, including Djibouti, was organized by the

Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) and was held on 23 and 24 of June 2011 at the

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of

the workshop was to promote an economic approach to the adoption of clean fuels and vehicles

in the region, so as to ensure better air quality especially in urban settings. There were over 60

participants in the workshop, who came from a diverse background of government agencies

responsible for environment, energy, and transport as well as private sector and civil society. The

workshop discovered that the degree of urbanization varies widely among countries in the Sub-

Saharan region. Djibouti was among the most urbanized, along with Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and

Libya. Their rates of urbanization exceeded those in North America and Europe. Djibouti was

also listed among the countries with an urban population exceeding two thirds of its total

population. In summary, Djibouti is concerned, and has reason to be concerned, about the state

of air quality in the region. The country has taken measures to keep the levels under control and

create a more sustainable economic model, while keeping its high rates of urbanization in mind.

WHO Topic A
 Bibliography

"International Cooperation." Global Atmospheric Pollution Forum. Stockholm

Environment Institute, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Nairobi Agreement, 2008. Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Program, 2008.

SEI International. UNEP. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

"Urban Environment Unit." United Nations Environment Program. UNEP, n.d. Web. 05

Oct. 2014.

"Pollution in Djibouti." Pollution in Djibouti. Numbeo, Feb. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

WHO Topic A
Ethiopia

In the past few years, Ethiopia has experienced significant economic

growth (about 10% per year) and has continued to work at raising living
conditions in poor, rural communities. 80% of 80 million population lives in
rural areas with diesel and animal dung used for heat and cooking. The
economy relies heavily on natural resources including fossil fuels. Measures
have been taken to work toward millennium development goals but pollution,
especially from combustible fuels, is still significant. All around, infrastructure
is being improved but vehicle technology and efficiency still remains low. New
neighborhoods are also being built and the population is expected to grow over
120 million by 2030 with a population growth rate of about 2%.

Increasing economic growth and wealth is important to Ethiopia but

deteriorating environmental conditions have prompted the government to look
into cleaner and more efficient technologies and processes. In addition to
economic growth, Ethiopia is also hoping to decrease poverty and improve
living conditions by eliminating dangers such as indoor air pollution which is
present from unclean fuel processes (under the Plan for Accelerated and
Sustained Development to End Poverty). The government hopes to reach
middle-income status by 2025 and has boasted a 10% GDP growth per year in
the last decade. MDG progress reports also indicate that Ethiopia is on its way
to halving its poverty rate by 2015. Despite much economical and
governmental progress made, air pollution will remain a danger until the
population can fully adapt to changing environmental and climate conditions.

The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia presents

general rules for the need to have a clean environment and new regulations on
air pollution from fuels and other processes are being passes by the Ethiopian
Parliament. The need to reduce air pollution is fully recognized by the
Ethiopian government and has been brought to national attention. The
government has authorized national climate studies (Programme of
Adaptation to Climate Change) that have determined increases in temperature
along with environmental problems in the country including land degradation,
soil erosion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, desertification, and recurrent
drought. Besides identifying the problems, new technologies to combat them
have been looked into and over 60 initiatives that could later become financial
projects have been developed. Ethiopia is aware and active in the process of

WHO Topic A
solving air pollution and other environmental problems and is looking forward
to a bright economic future.

Works Cited

WHO Topic A
Ethiopia Environmental and Climate Change policy brief. N.p., 27 May 2013. Web. 14

Oct. 2014. <http://sidaenvironmenthelpdesk.se/wordpress3/wp-

content/uploads/2013/05/Ethiopia-Environmental-and-Climate-Change-

policy-20130527.pdf>.

Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative. N.p., Aug. 2006. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/health/ephti/library/lecture_not

es/env_health_science_students/AirPollution.pdf>.

Global Information Society Watch. N.p., 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.giswatch.org/country-report/2010-icts-and-environmental-

sustainability/ethiopia>.

Magnitude and variation of traffic air pollution as measured by CO in the City of Addis

Ababa, Ethiopia. N.p., 24 Mar. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

<http://ejhd.uib.no/ejhd-v24-n3/156%20Magnitude%20and%20variation

%20of%20traffic%20air%20pollution%20as%20measured%20by%20CO%20in

%20the%20City%20of%20Addis%20Ababa,%20Ethiopia.pdf>.

SmartPlanet. N.p., 17 Oct. 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/outdoor-air-pollution-causes-

cancer-un/>.

World Health Organization. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.who.int/indoorair/health_impacts/burden_national/en/>.

"Experts Warn of Ever Increasing Vehicular Emission in Addis." Africa News Service 16

July 2009. Student Resources in Context. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.

WHO Topic A
Jamaica

Air Pollution is a threat not just to Jamaica but also the entire world. Air pollution is caused by

smoke and gas which is used in our everyday activities. Jamaica is dealing with air pollution by

monitoring it while other countries are trying to come up with ways to remove the air pollution.

It would be easier to decrease the air pollution if more people had jobs and did not have to start

fires to warm themselves and cook their food with fire. The air pollution in Jamaica is mediocre,

while the most air pollution is in China, and the least air pollution is in Switzerland.

The political policy for air pollution in Jamaica is to monitor the changes in the air

pollution and see what they should do to decrease the air pollution or stop the air pollution from

increasing. Jamaica’s foreign policy on air pollution is not known right now. Some past actions

that Jamaica has passed are the monitoring of the air quality in different locations around the

island. In 1964 Jamaica passed The Clean Air Act. This is meant to have members of the Central

Health Committee go around Jamaica and try to make sure that all the necessary equipment is

being used at appropriate times. An example is how fires are not on all the time and are only on

in the early morning or at night. They also check that the lights are off during the day and that

there are no fires unless it is during the winter when it is day. Over the following years there has

been several air pollution monitoring sites issued by NEPA. In 2011 ambassador Pamela E.

Bridgewater gave a speech concerning many issues including some future plans for air pollution.

The ambassador and other officials are trying to decrease the air pollution by talking to other

officials around the world. There is only so much Jamaica’s officials can do but they are trying to

solve are pollution and other problems.

Some solutions that were proposed by Jamaica’s health organizations are the

development of standards and regulations for the development of an air quality network, and

WHO Topic A
conducting air quality monitoring throughout the island. One of their solutions is to compare the

previous data on air pollution to the new data and see the difference. They are doing this to see

what they should change in order to decrease the air pollution. Though Jamaica has made many

past attempts at trying to stop the air pollution. Jamaica is able to limit the spread of the air

pollution but they cannot remove it. NEPA has tried many different ways to try and decrease the

air pollution but it isn’t working. There are not that many results from the past but Jamaica is still

trying to stop air pollution. The information Jamaica needs to pass a resolution on air pollution is

still unclear. It is still unknown what Jamaica’s final policy on air pollution will be but it will

either stop the air pollution from increasing or the air pollution will decrease.

WHO Topic A
 Works Cited

Embassy of the United States Kingston Jamaica. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.

<http://kingston.usembassy.gov/sp_03052011.html>.

Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.elaw.org/node/1727>.

Jamaica Gleaner News. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014. <http://jamaica-

gleaner.com/gleaner/20060427/eye/eye1.html>.

Jamaica Gleaner News. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014. <http://mobile.jamaica-

gleaner.com/gleaner/20140202/focus/focus8.php>.

Jamaica Information Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014. <http://jis.gov.jm/nepa-boosts-air-

quality-monitoring/>.

Numbeo. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014. <http://www.numbeo.com/pollution/country_result.jsp?

country=Jamaica>.

Numbeo. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2014. <http://www.numbeo.com/pollution/city_result.jsp?

country=Jamaica&city=Kingston>.

WHO Topic A
Japan

Air is all around. It is the source of life giving elements which all creatures require. It is when
that air is added to and tainted, be it intentional or otherwise, that the quality of life in an area
drastically decreases. On average 7 million people die each year due to unclean air. The human
toll is only a portion of this terror. Whole ecosystems are decimated every year due to harmful
emissions being released into the air. Japan, being located in the region of the world most
heavily hit by these harmful emissions, recognizes that the power to clean up the air is certainly
attainable; it only requires swift action. Japan feels that it is necessary to implement stricter
enforcement of air pollution laws as it is the first and biggest step to attaining cleaner air.
Japan recognizes the harsh negative effects that unclean air is having on the people and the
environment and the fact that little is being done in some areas of the world to prevent this. All
across regions of the world such as Asia, air pollution is going largely unchecked and the effect
that is having on the environment and the people of the region is detrimental. It is believed that
on average, over 70% of all air pollution related deaths occur in Asia. Across the world air
pollution related death, but this is unacceptable that the pollution could be so bad in on aria. So
recently Japan has joined forces with other Asian and southern Pacific countries to form the Asia
Pacific Clean Air Partnership in efforts against air pollution. The organization aims to expand
research on clean energy sources as well as strengthening emissions restrictions. They also aim
to reinforce assessments of the air in the region to keep the new system in check. Japans Senior
Vice Minister of the Ministry of Environment noted “Japan has been supporting air pollution
related networks and science research for many years. Through this partnership we hope to
encourage greater collaboration between the many regional initiatives and support information
exchange between scientists throughout the region”. Japan recommends that actions as these be
applied not only to Asia and the South Pacific, but also be applied across the globe to reach other
arias in desperate need of cleaner air.
Humanity has certainly made a lasting effect on the environment in which it inhabits, but this
does not mean that the negative effects cannot be reversed. Japan recognizes that by coming
together and acting with greater discipline on how the air is treated, is the fastest way to get the
ball rolling so to speak. So Japan proposes the spread of programs like the Asia Pacific Clean
Air Partnership to other arias of the world for the expanse and collaboration of clean low
emissions energy research; as well as for the purposes of strengthening air regulations. Great
damage as already been done, but this can be reversed if we decide to make it happen.

WHO Topic A
Jordan

Between seven and eight million deaths were linked to air pollution around the world in 2012.

That means approximately one out of every eight deaths worldwide were caused by air pollution.

Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the environment by any chemical, physical, or

biological agent that changes the characteristics of the atmosphere by the WHO. In 2013 the

WHO's cancer agency classified air pollution as a carcinogen and linked it to both lung and

bladder cancer. Air pollution is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in Jordan, as well as

all across the world.

The rate of energy and fossil fuel consumption has escalated in Jordan during the past

decade. This has resulted in an increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is causing

issues such as global warming and acid rain. Acid rain is beginning to impact crop production

and has also caused what little water is available in Jordan to become highly acidic. This has

worsened the drought that is currently taking place. There has also been an increase in

transportation usage in Jordan over the past decade, resulting in an increase of fossil fuel

admission.

The extra fossil fuels have resulted in an abundance of smog. This is causing a major

problem because smog is shown to cause many health problems. Some of these include

decreased lung function and asthma in previously healthy people. The decrease in overall air

quality is causing other health issues to occur, with greater frequency, driving up health care

costs in Jordan. Some of the major health problems that are occurring as a result of this are

cardiovascular diseases, such as stokes and cancer.

Jordan is currently creating and implementing ways to help fight air pollution. One of the

ways the country is trying to solve this is by setting up a better public transportation service. The

WHO Topic A
hope is that this will cut back on the number of vehicles being used and therefore reduce fossil

fuel admissions. Jordan also is researching a way to make that public transport sustainable and

clean fuel burning vehicles.

The delegation of Jordan needs to tackle this issue head-on. One of the ways to do that is

by finding a way to eliminate fossil fuel admission even more. Also there should be legislature

passed limiting the amount of fossil fuel using items a family can own. This could juristically

reduce the country's fossil fuel admissions. The Government of Jordan could also start programs

for carpooling and other things of the same nature to greater reduce fossil fuel usage.

Works Cited

“7 Million Premature Deaths Annually Linked to Air Pollution." WHO. WHO, 2014. Web. 7

Oct. 2014. <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/air-pollution/en/>.

WHO Topic A
"Air Quality and Atmospheric Pollution in the Arab Region." United Nations. United Nations,

n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd14/escwaRIM_bp1.pdf>.

"Air Pollution." WHO. WHO, 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.who.int/topics/air_pollution/en/>.

"Population Kills 7 Million People Every Year - WHO." The Jordan Times. N.p., 25 Mar. 2014.

Web. 15 Oct. 2014. <http://m.jordantimes.com/pollution-kills-7-million-people-every-

year----who>.

WHO Topic A
Paraguay

The delegation of Paraguay has recently developed Law NO. 5211 stating that in order to have
develop something that emits pollution into the air, an individual is required to have support of
the Municipalities and of the Ministry of Public Health. In the past, Paraguay has not paid much
attention to the problem of air pollution. This law that the government of Paraguay has recently
passed is one of the first laws they have passed to help recover the air.

As of the past three years, Paraguay’s air pollution is up to 60.71 percent and their air
quality is at a low 39.29 percent. Paraguay’s government has recently taken it’s first steps to
recovering the quality of the air and reduce the pollution. The country’s main cause of air
pollution is their livestock and the chemicals the animal’s manure produces and emits into the
air. The manure emits methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide all into the air, causing air
pollution. They are trying to better the quality of the food that they feed to the livestock. By
doing so, the cattle, pigs, and poultry’s manure will emit less toxins into the air that is released
by the decomposing manure. Another solution that they have come up with is for farmers to use
new technologies and practices that will reduce the global warming gases that livestock emit.
The raising of the livestock generates climate altering gasses. An average of 7.1 billion tons of
carbon dioxide are emitted into the air per year just from livestock. The delegations of Paraguay
believe that if farmers start to use environmentally safer products and food for their livestock’s,
the air pollution will go down significantly.

Another major factor in air pollution in Paraguay and around Pargauay is from
industrialization and deforestation. The soil farmers want to use is becoming polluted, so they are
moving more towards the forests and taking the forests down for their fields. They have lost an
average 90 percent of their forests. Going back to the new technologies famers are recommended
to use that will cut down air pollution, Roberto Diaz has come up with a solution for both
deforestation and new technology. He says, “this assertion applies to simple technologies such as
sanitary controls for improving animal feeds, but in our region we need to improve grazing lands
that have been degraded through soy production and by turning forested lands into subtropical
prairies. This requires a new approach by integrating agriculture and cattle technologies." With
new technologies, there will have less pollution in the air and the soil. With less pollution in the
soil, there will be less farmers moving west and knocking down forests. With more forests, there
will be less pollution within the air because the trees will emit clean oxygen into the air. Letting
back on cutting down forests will help considerably.

These are the main solutions the government has come up with for solving the air
pollution in and around Paraguay. Law NO. 5211 is the first law they have passed so far to take
action in this problem. Air pollution takes up 60.71 percent of Paraguay’s air and their leading
motivation to fix this problem is to help the health of their people.

WHO Topic A
Works Cited

Moreno, Fulgencio R. "Protection of Air Quality in Paraguay: Law No. 5211." Mersan. Mersan,
n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://mersanlaw.com/2014/10/03/proteccion-de-la-calidad-del-aire-en-
paraguay-ley-no-5211/?lang=en>.

Numbeo. "Pollution in Paragauy." Numbeo. Numbeo, n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.numbeo.com/pollution/country_result.jsp?country=Paraguay>.

"Farmers Could Cut Emissions While Boosting Production." Africa News Service 1 Nov. 2013.
Global Issues In Context. Web. 7 Oct. 2014

Gaudin, Andres. "Eager to cash in, South America's soy-producing nations ignore monoculture's
many risks." NotiSur - South American Political and Economic Affairs 11 Apr. 2014: 3. Global
Issues In Context. Web. 7 Oct. 2014

WHO Topic A
Peoples Republic of China

Position Paper for World Health Organization, Air Pollution

As the world's largest source of carbon emissions, China is responsible for a third of the planet's
greenhouse gas output and has sixteen of the world's twenty most polluted cities. Air pollution has
become a serious problem, which has reduced the life expectancy in China by 5.5 years.
Environmental degradation cost the country roughly 9 percent of its gross national income in 2008.
Cities across China experiences days where city life is relatively dead to the high levels of air
pollution. The Chinese government shuts down the schools and many businesses close down on those
days. China’s air pollution is growing by 4.9 percent year to year.

China’s old economy plan was a sort of get-rich plan based of dirty manufacturing without regard to
any environmental concerns. China's Confucian roots encouraged policies that often promoted man's
use of nature, which hindered and ideas of conservation of the environment. China's current
environmental situation is the result not only of policy choices made today but also of attitudes,
approaches, and institutions that have evolved over centuries.

A main source of air pollution is the potent emissions from burning the fossil fuel coal. China now
uses roughly as much coal as the rest of the world combined, and 65% of china’s electricity comes
from coal. China has proposed over 300 coal-fired power plants to be built, compared to the already
650 in operations. Chinese officials project that by 2020, coal use will have increased 36 percent over
the 2012 levels. China’s State Council released its Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and
Control on September 12, 2013. The Action Plan sets the road map for air pollution and control for
the next five years in China. Another factor in China’s major air pollution is vehicle emissions.
China’s large population also has a large demand for cars. These emissions from gas have
contributed to the national air pollution population. Many provinces are experimenting with
deploying vehicles fueled by natural gas or methanol, which in China is made from coal in a clean
process. But the air quality gains accomplished by the shift to alternative fuels are not even close to
offsetting the vast increase in emissions driven by China's growing demand for cars.

China has many options on how to deal with the growing air pollution problem. China should mainly
focus on its coal emissions, which is a major factor in their environmental problems. China should
move away from coal-based electricity to cleaner energy. The Chinese government should fund
programs that support alternative energy. The change to cleaner energy production will gradually
decrease the emissions and therefore air pollution. This change may increase energy cost but China
currently has a very low coat, 8 cent per kilowatt, of energy.

China’s air pollution is a problem that should be faced by the international community, which
benefits greatly by the Chinese economy. With growing environmental problems, foreign companies

WHO Topic A
are being driven away hurting the Chinese economy. Government restrictions and taxes, if assigned
when air pollution become even more out of hand, will hurt the economy and most foreign
investments. With foreign help China will be able to tackle the air pollution problem.

WHO Topic A
UAE

Air pollution is the introduction of particulates potentially harmful materials into air within the

Earth’s atmosphere, possibly causing disease, damage to other living things, and potential death. The

atmosphere is a complex natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet Earth. The air

pollution is a leading cause in the depletion of the ozone layer, an important part of the Earth’s natural

atmosphere for protecting humans from harmful radiation. All around the world, countries are facing

problems with air pollution and other aspects of environmental protection. Recently in March, the UN

decided that air pollution was linked to 1 in every 8 deaths across the world.

“The risks from air pollution are now far greater than previously thought or understood,

particularly for heart disease and strokes,” said Maria Neira, Director of WHO’s Department for Public

Health. “Few risks have a greater impact on global health today than air pollution; the evidence signals

the need for concerted action to clean up the air we all breathe,” Dr. Neira added. United Arab Emirates

have always maintained strict air pollution laws, its two main sources of air pollution being car exhaust

and industry smoke. However, although there is an extremely high rate of light and noise pollution,

especially in highly densely populated areas like Dubai, air pollution and drinking water pollution are

always kept at a moderately low state. This August, officials in Abu Dhabi announced that they will be

putting limits on certain capital companies, such as controlling how much ozone industries are produce

and how much energy is permitted to use. We have long since held our air pollution laws and will

continue doing so. According to WHO, “The release of today’s data is a step in the development of a

WHO roadmap for preventing diseases related to air pollution. This involves the development of a WHO-

hosted global platform on air quality and health to generate better data on air pollution-related diseases

and strengthened support to countries and cities through guidance, information and evidence about health

gains from key interventions.  The Dubai government began air monitoring in 1988 for basic air pollution

programs and updated their monitoring programs in 1993 and 1994. After an environmental scare in 2005

where the thick smog in the last three years leads to a spike in health care which came from the vehicle

WHO Topic A
exhausts, authority have decreased the legal amount of industry smoke produced by nearly 35% and laws

were passed to reduce the pollutant sulphur in diesel fuel. Citizens in the UAE are encouraged to use

green oil, a more eco-friendly alternative to diesel fuel. Despite the lacking conditions of densely

populated cities and landfills caused by industrialization, our citizens have reported satisfaction with the

air qualities over the past years. The air qualities of UAE cannot compare to that of countries such as

Aruba, but pose no immediate health risks to its citizens. As a nation, we believe in a balance between

industrialization and healthy environments.

Although UAE is lucky enough not to suffer from severe air pollution, we would like to propose

that countries start relying on more eco-friendly fuels such as green oil or start relying on renewable

resources altogether. Wind and solar energy do not have any negative effects on the environment, as

opposed to fossil fuels. The changes made after 2005 resulted in drastic improvement in our air qualities.

Even though our country cannot compare to the environments of Aruba, we are working to improve.

"UAE Experts Call for More Awareness of Air Pollution | The National." UAE Experts Call for

More Awareness of Air Pollution | The National. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/experts-call-for-careful-eye-to-be-kept-on-uae-air-pollution-

levels>.

"New Laws to Combat Air Pollution." New Laws to Combat Air Pollution. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

<http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/new-laws-to-combat-air-pollution-1.982074>.

"Ahmed Rashed: Pollution in UAE." Ahmed Rashed: Pollution in UAE. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

<http://ahmedrashedcmt.blogspot.com/2011/05/pollution-in-uae.html>.

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United States of America

In the past 200 years our world has become increasingly industrialized. Unfortunately,

the world has also suffered repercussions such as air pollution, the contamination of the indoor or

outdoor environment by any agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Air

pollution proves to be dangerous since Dr. Maria Neira, the director of Public Health and

Environment of the WHO, estimated in 2013 that 8.8 million deaths are caused by air pollution

every year (5). Additionally, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a UN

Agency, stated, "Our conclusion is that this [Air Pollution] is a leading environmental cause of

cancer deaths” (10). However, WHO already passed resolution WHA61.19 on May 24, 2008,

used to support health systems and to promote awareness of air pollution. 

As a global powerhouse, the United States (USA) suffers from an abundance of air

pollution. In terms of transportation, energy, waste management, and industry, the USA

recognizes the unfortunate circumstances of the air pollution generated from these sectors.

The USA is continuously attempting to improve its air quality. By placing tremendous

pressure on corporations to cut pollution, due to implemented tradable pollution rights and caps

of pollutions, efforts to curb pollution in factories under the 1970 and 1990 Clean Air Act have

been successful (7). These measures saved 82 billion dollars in healthcare costs since their

implementations (4). Likewise, laws like the 1970 and the 1990 Clean Air Act, which also

monitors and controls emissions, has greatly improved air quality (6). This is reflected by a 51

percent reduction of CO in the air from 2000-2010, an 89 percent reduction of lead in the air

from 1980-2010, and 52 percent of NO2 in the air from 1980-2010 (1). In addition, the USA has

WHO Topic A
already signed the Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication, and Ground-level Ozone,

which sets a cap to emissions (8).

The USA strongly affirms any action towards improving the worldwide air quality while

not compromising its GDP. Based on prior acts put into place, the USA knows what works and

what doesn’t. The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 proved to be a failure, because the USA did

not want to infringe on state rights. The USA now understands that air pollution extends far

beyond political issues and thus would like to offer a solution. It is to mirror the 1970 and 1990

Clean Air Act which successful curbed some air pollution. In addition, the USA approves the

Natural Resources Defense Council’s solution for huge investments in energy efficiency and

slashing power plant carbon emissions by 2020 (3). This solution not only cuts air pollution, but

also creates jobs and saves money. Furthermore, the USA strongly believes that huge

investments in alternative energy such as wind or solar energy are essential for the sustainability

of the environment and the economy. Finally, increasing public awareness through increased

media coverage, educational events with NGOs, and classroom education is essential for the

improvement of worldwide air quality because purchasing products made from renewable

resources and unplug electronics when unused can significantly improve our air quality. 1

1
"Air Pollution Statistics." LoveToKnow. N.p., n.d. Web.

2. "Legislation." Clean Air #1. N.p., n.d. Web.

3. "Less Carbon, More Jobs, Lower Bills." NRDC:. N.p., n.d. Web.

4. "Clean Air Act Rules to save Country $82 Billion in Health Care Costs over next Decade, According to New Analysis." Environmental Defense Fund. N.p., n.d. Web.

5. "Dangers of Air Pollution Worse than Previously Thought, UN Health Agency Warns."UN News Center. UN, 08 Apr. 2013. Web.

6. "EPA." Summary of the Clean Air Act. N.p., n.d. Web.

7. "Politics of Tradeable Pollution Rights." Politics of Tradeable Pollution Rights. N.p., n.d. Web.

8. "Status of Ratification of The 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification,Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone as Of 24 May 2012." Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone. N.p., n.d.
Web.

9. "WHA61.19." (n.d.): n. pag. CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH (resolution WHA61.19). Web.

10. "UPDATE 1-Air Pollution a Leading Cause of Cancer - U.N. Agency." | Reuters. N.p., 17 Oct. 2013. Web.

WHO Topic A
 New Zealand

Pollution is a serious problem around the world as industries are growing, more
people are driving and everyone is taking our Earth for granted. Across the globe,
measures are being taken to aid in the gradual stop of pollution but we need to take
action.  New Zealand feels that this is a serious issue and that it needs to be slowed and
eventually lessened by as much possible. We have greatly decreased our air, water and
soil pollution but in Europe, where land is scarce compared to the population, action is
required.

Pollution has been around since there were animals on this planet but as industry boomed
and electricity and cars were invented, our air has been getting worse by the year. This
international issue hasn't been eliminated anywhere and most likely will not be but as
nations are becoming more proactive, we are seeing a difference. In New Zealand, our air
quality, soil and surface water are all below the guidelines. New Zealand are also
dependent on fossil fuels and have shocking levels of carbon emissions. New Zealand
have the highest number of livestock per head. Their manure pollutes the soil and water
more than many other emissions do. With a lack of land compared to the number of
people in the country, aid is needed. In the past four years, New Zealand' nitrogen
monoxide levels have been triple the average and the carbon dioxide emissions had risen
15% between 1990 and 2010. New Zealand has taken measures to reduce our emissions
and pollution in general successfully. In 2010, New Zealand was the twentieth of twenty-
seven countries in pollution and air quality and in 2012, that number fell to ten out of
twenty-seven. All kinds of solutions have been proposed but machinery and factories are
a necessary part of our international culture and can't be stopped immediately because of
the air quality. Creations like the electric car and solar panels are helping immensely.

New Zealand is open to any and all suggestions on what to do international about
pollution and how to slow it before we are all out of fossil fuels and our footprint is even
bigger. New Zealand is offering smaller suggestions from the promotion of the electric
car and use of solar panels to creating energy efficient manufacturing plants. It may be
expensive but with the UN budget and government aid, there could be a significant
difference to start from. If most countries are on board to begin decreasing our footprint,
the global impact could be astounding. New Zealand believes that the UN should also
promote smaller local groups to act against any more damage. Paint and chemicals are
being poured down drains, cooking and motor oils are being disposed of improperly and
the UN could stop these small but significant practices. While promoting green and eco-
friendly practices, the UN and respective governments can get the citizens on board as
well. Internationally, steps are being taken and are helping in this major solution however
New Zealand believes that a larger implemented solution could help greatly and is
needed if we as nations want to continue thriving on businesses and manufacturing.

WHO Topic A
 Denmark

WHO Topic A
 Air is omnipresent around the quality of the air we breath is of utmost importance to the

Kingdom of Denmark. In Denmark, the Environmental Protection Agency monitors pollutants in

the air in collaboration with the National Centre for Environment and Energy (NERI). This

collaboration has been in place since 2010. The Environmental Protection Agency has signed an

agreement with NERI under which NERI is responsible for the measurements. The measured

substances are sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), nitrogen oxides, lead,

particulate matter, benzene, carbon monoxide and ozone as well as certain heavy metals. The

measurements allow the Environmental Protection Agency to keep a watch over the air quality.

Limits for acceptable levels of air pollution have been set in order to protect the population from

the dangerous effects of pollution on health. Denmark meets the limit values for most substances,

however extra effort is required with regard to particles and NO 2 . Measurements are taken in

the Copenhagen area, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg and at several measuring stations outside the

cities. Danish requirements for air quality are all based on provisions adopted by the EU. As new

provisions are made, Danish legislation will be adapted accordingly. The latest version of Danish

regulations is the Statutory Order on target and limit values for the level of certain air pollutants.

Regulations were last updated in 2010, when new rules were adopted by the EU.

There are many ways in which we as a nation wish to further improve the condition of

pollution in our air. one way is through shipping emissions. Ships must emit fewer hazardous

substances to the air. Therefore the Environmental Protection Agency is working to ensure

compliance with the stringent international regulation on air pollution from ships. The rules of

the IMO will lead to a drastic decrease in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from new ships.

From 2011 emissions had to be reduced by 1525 % compared to the previous limits. By 2016 the

WHO Topic A
NOxemission from new ships have to be reduced by a further 75 % compared to the present

level, when sailing in coastal NOx Emission Control

Areas (NECA) – ‘low emission zones’ at sea. Another method would be through

reducing trafficemissions. The emissions from vehicles send particles into the air that result in air

pollution, particularly in towns and cities. Longterm consequences of air pollution include

asthma, allergies and cancer. With European and Danish legislations we can do much to limit

pollution, resulting in clean air for everyone. By enacting regulations to limit such emissions

would help clean the air we breath and ensure a healthier earth for not just Danish people, but all

people of the world.

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 Lithuania

The topic of air pollution is one long debated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Air pollution is a public health threat that impacts both outdoor and indoor settings, caused both

by increased industrial activities throughout the past several centuries and poor ventilation

systems in homes and businesses. Outdoor air pollution is defined by Scott E. Spoolman and G.

Tyler Miller as “the presence of chemicals in the atmosphere in concentrations high enough to

harm organisms, ecosystems, or human made materials.” Outdoor air pollution is caused both

naturally and unnaturally. Naturally, dust from wind, pollutants from wildfires and volcanic

activity, and volatile organic chemicals released into the atmosphere all contribute to air

pollution. Unnaturally, industrialization and urbanization both contribute to air pollution, caused

by the burning of fossil fuels in industrial/power plants and motor vehicles. Annually, outdoor air

pollution is attributed to 3.7 million deaths globally, and an ever greater illness rate.

Contrarily, indoor pollution is also a major problem worldwide. According to WHO,

“indoor air pollution is, for poor people, the world’s most serious air pollution problem.” In

developing countries, high mortality rates are affiliated with the high amounts of indoor pollution

caused by poorly or unvented burning of materials as well as work sites with little ventilation

regulation. Furthermore, indoor air pollution is also a problem in developed countries, caused by

exposure to household chemicals, cooking fumes, pests, and common allergens. Globally, indoor

pollution causes approximately 4.3 million deaths annually, and an even greater illness rate.

Ultimately, the issue of air pollution is one that affects the entire global population on a daily

basis, and is a topic that must be discussed thoroughly and deliberately.

WHO Topic A
 The delegation of Lithuania is greatly concerned with the issue of air pollution. Lithuania

has taken action by increasing the amount of energy it creates using more renewable resources

and less fossil fuels. Furthermore, Lithuania has an outstanding railway infrastructure, reducing

the amount of fossil fuel input into the atmosphere. Additionally, Lithuania has also encouraged

legislation reducing air pollution input. For example, in 2003 Lithuanian Minister of

Environment, Arūnas Kundrotas, signed into affiliation with the Nordic Environment Finance

Corporation (NEFCO), a coalition founded by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden

in order to discuss legislation and treaties regarding environmental issues such as air pollution.

At this time, NEFCO and Lithuania have significantly reduced the amount of air pollution in the

Nordic and Baltic states.

During this conference, the delegation of Lithuania hopes to create resolution

encouraging the reduction of fossil fuel input into the atmosphere. Lithuania would also like to

see resolutions supporting the action being taken in third world countries to impact indoor air

pollution issues regarding unsafe ventilation systems.

Works Cited

“LITHUANIA.” Cia.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.

<https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworldfactbook/geos/lh.html>.

Miller, G. Tyler, and Scott E. Spoolman. “Air Pollution.” Living in the Environment.

Sixteenth ed.

Belmont: Brooks/Cole, 2007. 46895. Print.

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 “Prašoma Ratifikuoti Susitarim?, Nauding? Šalies Aplinkos Apsaugai” [“Asked to Ratify

the Agreement

in Favor of the Protection of the Environment”]. Lrv.lt. Lietuvos Respublikos

Vyriausyb?, 20

Aug. 2003. Web. 23 Oct. 2014. <http://www.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/?nid=2139>.

Who.int. World Health Organization, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.

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 Mexico

Air Pollution in Mexico City is a severe environmental problem. Not only does it endanger the

inhabits of the city, but also the rest of the world. Rising levels of air pollution which contain

carbon monoxide is dangerous to breathe. These conditions can lead to diseases such as cancer

and can even be fatal over time. Mexico has been working on improving their air conditions over

the past two decades, and there is further research to decrease this environmental hazard.

Mexico had experienced such high levels of air pollution because of the expansive

populations and growing rates of consumption. This is in relation to transportation problem. The

country’s array of inefficient trucks and cars consume dirty diesel fuels and emit high levels of

black carbon. Another factor is the burning of fossil fuels to provide energy to the country. The

World Health Organization said that 14,700 people in Mexico died from outdoor air pollution.

Mexico City was once the most air polluted city in the world, but since the 1990s it has been

working on reducing this issue. As soon as the government of Mexico realized the harsh effects

and damages air pollution was causing to their citizens they took action. Some of these actions

include, working on standards to require ultra-low sulfur fuels and to regulate emissions from

heavy and light duty vehicles. Mexico plans on making future improvements to its environmental

practices.

One of the leading programs Mexico has established is Pro Aire. It was founded to help

Mexico’s environmental problems. Its programs included reducing energy consumption,

reforestation, capacity building and scientific research. Specific actions included closing the

city’s most polluting factories and banning cars one day per week in the city´s metropolitan area.

Its bike-sharing program is also the largest in the region, has inspired other Latin American

WHO Topic A
countries to do adopt the same ideas. Pro Aire was launched in 2011 and will to continue to run

until 2020.

Mexico believes this daunting problem can be dealt with, as hard as it may seem. The

country has realized what the causes and repercussions are, so they are ready to take steps

forward to help not only their citizens, but the world. They have developed programs, such as

Pro Aire to help lower levels of air pollution. It has and will continue to research ways to

decrease this growing problem.

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 Spain

Although Spain is a leading country in green energy sources, air pollution is a serious problem.
Larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona are leading the nation in air pollution. Almost all of the
major cities in Spain have seen a massive decrease in air quality since 2000. Although Spain is
a large country, over three fourths of Spain’s citizens live in major cities. The majority of Spain’s
air pollution is coming from the massive amount of cars in the cities. Outside of cities, the
biggest cause of air pollution is transportation of goods. The majority of goods are carried by rail
and the majority of trains in use are powered by coal. Air pollution is a serious health hazard to
such a densely populated group of people. In many cases air pollution can shave months off of
a persons life and lead to things as serious as lung cancer. There is also a huge negative
environmental effect. Air pollution can kill plants, poison water sources, and cause acid rain.
The amount of air pollution in Spain has been rapidly increasing for the past 14 years and
something needs to be done if this trend is to stop.

There are a few obvious steps that can be taken in order to decrease Spain’s air pollution.
Steps such as a public bike system, more public transportation, and greener transport. A public
bike system has already been put in place in many spanish cities, but they need to be easier
and more abundant. The vast majority of cities have a very good public transport system;
however, they are not green transportation. A very easy way to decrease air pollution is to clean
all the public transportation, this would help decrease air pollution by a lot. Another great thing
to do would be to clean up the cars. More electric cars and alternative energy cars would go a
long way.

These changes would help Spain quite a bit; however, the majority of these changes are
unlikely to happen. Spain has a very low average income, a decreasing growth rate, and over a
quarter of the country is unemployed. With such financial issues Spain is highly unlikely to add
more green transport. Especially since gas is a huge market in Spain and electric cars would
hurt that market. Unless some major changes are made soon, air pollution will continue to rise.

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WHO Topic A