Background Guide: World Health Organization (WHO)
When United Nations diplomats convened in 1945, an aspect on their agenda included the setup of a global health organization. Thus, as of April 7, 1948, the WHO Constitution came into effect—a date now recognized as World Health day. It was established that all countries that are Members of the UN are eligible to become a part of WHO by accepting its Constitution. The executive board is comprised of individuals designated in accordance to WHO region. In terms of its role in the United Nations in its entirety, WHO is responsible for directing and coordinating authority for health within the global system. WHO also provides leadership on global health matters, shapes the health research agenda, articulates evidence-based policy options, distributes technical support to countries, and assesses current health trends.
Topic A: Air Pollution
According to recent statistics provided by the WHO, around 7 million people died in 2012 as a result of air pollution, accounting for one in eight total global deaths in that year. Effecting rural as well as urban areas, both indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure have been directly linked to cardiovascular diseases such as strokes, ischaemic heart disease, and cancer. Common indoor pollutants are emitted by household stoves of coal, wood, or biomass types (WHO). However, the most dangerous pollutants are traced back to dirty coal and fossil fuel smoke stacks. Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are derived from these smokestacks, and include substances such as mercury, benzene, and dioxins. These have a harmful effect on people located within a mile of power plants. Also, smog can lead to decreased lung function and increased respiratory ailments, such as asthma, in previously healthy people. The prevalence of health risk inevitably leads to a heavy burden of cost. Air pollution is an important issue to recognize because about 37 million children live in areas with unhealthy air. On a body-weight basis, children inhale more dust and toxins from the air than adults and are therefore more prone to pollution-caused diseases (NRDC). With all of these factors considered, air pollution could be considered the world’s largest single environmental health risk.
Industrialization has proliferated in developing countries as a means to produce economic development. However, the economic benefit of industrialization often overshadows the environmental detriment. Many countries are faced with the difficult task of balancing industrial needs with environmental costs. The environmental damage and public harm resulting from air pollution is becoming more and more apparent and crucial. Thus, nations must embrace environmental protection as part of their international competitive strategy and search for solutions to maintain the economic benefits of industrialization. Proactive environmental management can be accelerated by pressures from the UN on the public, industries, and governments to assure a cleaner environment.
In order to alleviate health problems caused by air pollution, the UN developed the Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication, and Ground-level Ozone in 1999. The Protocol sets standards for Europe specifically, setting emission ceilings for 2010 for sulfur, nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ammonia. As of 2012, the protocol was amended to set emission reduction commitments to be achieved in 2020 and beyond, and included countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia (UN Economic Commission for Europe). The UN has also made efforts towards spreading awareness about the dangers of air pollution and sharing clean air alternatives in order to reduce toxic emissions. In many countries, public demand for more responsible environmental practices can be just as effective as government regulations and legal liabilities for environmental damage.
Possible solutions for reducing toxic emissions from power plants include cleaner energy alternatives such as wind or solar energy. These methods do not rely on the combustion of fuel, and therefore cannot emit harmful pollutants. It is also significant that wind and solar energies are sustainable because they are constantly renewed (U.S. Department of Energy). Due to the fact that everyday household items can also emit dangerous pollutants, it should also be considered that small efforts could be made at home (California Environmental Protection Agency). Taking simple steps such as turning off any unused electronics, reusing or recycling grocery bags, and buying products made from sustainable resources can ultimately make a difference in the world’s carbon footprint.
Questions to Consider
-What is your country’s policy in regards to air pollution in sectors such as transport, energy, waste management, and industry? How much pressure is being placed on corporations and industries to perform environmental responsibility, and where is this pressure most effective? How sustainable are these policies, especially in curbing healthcare costs in the long run?
Works Cited
“7 Million Premature Deaths Annually Linked to Air Pollution." WHO. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. < pollution/en/>.
"Advantages and Challenges of Wind Energy." Energy.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <
"Gasping for Air: Toxic Pollutants Continue to Make Millions Sick and Shorten Lives." NRDC:. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <
pollutionhealthimpacts.asp>.
"Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone - Air Pollution - Environmental Policy - UNECE." UNECE. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <
"Simple Solutions to Help Reduce Air Pollution." California Environmental Protection Agency. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <
Topic B: Genetically Modified Organisms
Technological advances and increasing stresses on the world’s food supply have ensured the increased use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Plants domesticated for agriculture are the most well known examples of GMOs. These plants are typically engineered for better crop yield, enhanced food quality and nutrient composition, resistance to disease and pests, andmedicinal benefits. Other genetic advances have allowed some plants to flourishin areas and conditions where they would not otherwise grow. Genetic modification is not limited to plants; domesticated animals have also been modified to increase production yield by breeding offspring that are continuously larger, faster to mature, and disease resistant. GMOs have also been used in the pharmaceutical industry. For example, the human growth hormone was the first protein pharmaceutical made in plants in 1986 (Phillips). With increasing global population, massive world hunger, and a death toll rising due to starvation, advances in technology can benefit farmers and societies worldwide. GMOs have made it possible to feed more people more nutritious food, prevent pest or drought related famine, create foods with longer shelf life for easier transportation, generate bigger yields for more efficient use of land, and are viewed by many as an essential and sustainable way to feed the world.
However, despite the numerous benefits reaped from the usage of GMOs, the debate over its risks is inevitable. Several researchers argue that the modification of an organism’s genetic makeup can lead to unpredictable results, especially since the field of study is relatively new. These risks are largely dependent on the specific genetic modifications, the organism’s history, and the properties of the ecosystem in which it is to be released (Peterson, et. al.). Also new reports have indicated that the production of select GMOs has led to an increased need for herbicides, posing major environmental and health risks (USDA). Due to the fact that knowledge of GMOs is still so limited, it is difficult to determine whether its benefits effectively outweigh the risks.
As of 2004, the United Nations Environmental Programme adopted the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The new system regulates international trade of GMOs, featuring new requirements for labeling and documentation. Under this protocol, the documentation accompanying bulk shipments of GMOs is to include contact details of the importer or exporter (UNEP). The establishment of a system for labeling and identifying GMO exports effectively ensures cooperating countries a greater confidence in using biotechnology, all the while helping avoid potential risks.
The three most prevalent issues surrounding GMOs include gene transfer to non-target species, unintended harm to other organisms, and reduced effectiveness of pesticides. Though these three issues appear to be significant, possible solutions to resolving them are prevalent as well. For example, the problem of gene transfer amongst non-target species can be resolved by creating GM plants that do not produce pollen. The outcome of this proposal relates to the effects on other organisms. As a result of this strategy, cross-pollination would not occur. Also, measures could be made for farmers to create buffer zones of non-GM crops around the GM fields, as this could be more environmentally conscious and prevent an excessive usage of pesticides while also keeping gene transfer from occurring (CSA). Though the cost-benefit analysis of GMO use is complicated, the issue can be addressed by creating initiatives that tackle genetic engineering at its core.
Questions to Consider:
-Do the public health benefits of GMOs outweigh their potential risks?
-How can the WHO ensure that GMOs don’t contaminate the general food supply, and how can evaluation of GMOs be improved?
Works Cited
"Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" ProQuest. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2014. <
"GMO Crops May Cause Major Environmental Risks, USDA Admits." RT USA. N.p., 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 May 2014. <
Peterson, G., Et. Al. "Conservation Ecology: The Risks and Benefits of Genetically
Modified Crops: A Multidisciplinary Perspective." Conservation Ecology: The Risks and Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. N.p., 2000. Web. 19 May 2014. <
society.org/vol4/iss1/art13/>.
Phillips, Theresa. "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Transgenic Crops and Recombinant DNA Technology." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 19 May 2014. < modified-organisms-gmos-transgenic-crops-and-732>.
"UN Announces New Measures to Boost Safety in Trade of Genetically Modified Organisms." UN NewsCenter. UN, 27 Feb. 2004. Web. 19 May 2014. < s#.U3ocgy_gUrU>.