1.
Table of Contents
2.Letter from the President of General Assembly
3. Introduction to the Committee
4. Introduction to the Agenda Item
5. Key Terms
a. Sea Level Rise
b. Antarctic Treaty System
c. Exclusive Economic Zones
d. Climate Change-Induced Conflicts
e. Hydro-Politics
f. Forced Migration and Resettlement
g. International Maritime Boundaries
6.Timeline of Events
7. Questions to Answer
8.Bibliography
Letter from the PGA
Dear delegates,
I,as the President of General Assembly,would be more than pleased to welcome you all to
the 7th edition of Haydarpaşa High School Model United Nations conference.I am
Beritan Çiçek Demir and as being contributed to this distinguished committee with the
help of my academic assistants,Reyyan Doğru and Ela Bellici,I assure you that you will
have great time in participating in this committee.
For months our lovely academic and organisation team have been working devotedly to
make your HaydarpaşaMUN experience exclusive and memorable.I recommend all of
you to read this qualified study guide made by our dear colleagues to help you have a
sufficient understanding of the topic.You can contact me at
[email protected] for further elaboration without hesitation.I aim for you to
have a remarkable experience.
Sincerely,
Beritan Çiçek Demir
3. Introduction to the Committee
The UN Disarmament and International Security Committee, or DISEC, was the first Main
Committees in the General Assembly when the United Nations' charter was signed in 1946. Hence,
DISEC is often referred to as the First Committee. DISEC was formed in response to the felt need
of an international forum where peace could be discussed along with a wide range of issues on
disarmament, global security, arms control, and peaceful use of outer space among members of
the international community. During the decades, DISEC has dealt with key issues starting from
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons to preventing arms races and recently
emerging threats linked to climate change and cybersecurity.
DISEC has a very strong and imperative role in promoting world peace and security by
encouraging dialogue and building up international cooperation. It involves all member states of
the United Nations to avoid the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and thereby creates
a framework for arms control and disarmament. While it has historically focused on military and
defense matters, the scope of work done by DISEC has expanded to include modern challenges,
including environmental crises threatening international stability.It is important to note that
DISEC’s role is strictly diplomatic and advisory. It does not have enforcement powers like
authorizing military action, deploying troops, contributing to the polarization of states, and so on.
It aims to have peaceful solutions and ensures that conflict resolution and disarmament efforts
remain diplomatic and non-aggressive.
In HaydarpaşaMUN'25, we arranged a futuristic DISEC committee that will take part in 2040.
You, the delegates, will discuss the rising sea levels that have been an outcome of the melting
glaciers, which threaten not only the ecosystems but also international security. The redefinition
of international boundaries and the competition for resources in the Arctic and Antarctic regions
have already led to diplomatic tensions, and the issue of forced migration due to environmental
disasters is creating new security challenges. As DISEC delegates, you are committed to finding
solutions to such multi-dimensional challenges by building consensus and addressing both
environmental and geopolitical consequences.
4. Introduction to the Agenda Item
15 percent of Antarctica’s ice has melted by 2040 causing existential threat to human civilization.
For years, humans sought to dominate nature. But now the world is facing the consequences of
conflicts, sea level rise, migration, territorial dispute, and many more problems.
With climate change increasing even more rapidly than ever with human activities such as burning
fossil fuels for energy and transportation, deforestation for agriculture and urban development,
industrial processes, and methane emissions from agriculture and waste management, temperature
rises. Antarctica’s ice is melting as a result of intense temperatures. The melted ice is causing sea
level rise which wipes entire regions away. The submersion of land reduces habitable places. This
causes many problems such as biodiversity loss, famine, drought, resource scarcity, extreme
migration, changes and conflicts over land.
In Antarctica, the loss of ice sheets are causing extreme ecosystem loss, release of long-trapped
pollutants and conflicts between nations governing Antarctica under the Arctic Treaty System. The
Arctic Treaty System, which governed Antarctica peacefully for a long time, is facing new threats
as power dynamics change. The increasing temperature opens up places inaccessible in the past
for resource extraction, shipping, and the military which attracts nations attention.
5. Key Terms
a) Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise describes how much the sea level has risen worldwide due to the effects of
climate change and mainly caused by melting glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, sea levels rose at around 20 centimeters, though it
has increased more rapidly within the last few decades. From 1993 until 2018, annual rises
averaged about 3.3 mm/year-that's nearly double the average during the 20th century.
By 2040, sea levels have risen remarkably to 8.7 meters. This accelerated rise is primarily
because of the continuous melting of polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, with
thermal expansion of seawater due to global warming.
This will have far-reaching consequences, with potential impact to be felt in particular by
all coastal and low-lying lands. Cities like Amsterdam, Jakarta, and Miami could be
submerged under water during normal tides, let alone during storm surges. Entire islands,
like the Maldives and Kiribati, might just disappear beneath the sea and totally displace their
inhabitants en masse. In Europe, extensive sea defenses would have to be mounted,
especially in countries such as the Netherlands, much of whose land is well below sea level.
Additionally, the rise in water levels will further deteriorate geopolitics, as shifting coastlines
change maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones(see also…). Disputes over
submerged territories and access to marine resources are likely to worsen and demand
immediate international cooperation. To mitigate these effects, nations need to start working
on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in adaptive infrastructure like sea walls
and flood-resistant urban planning.
b) Antarctic Treaty System
The Antarctic Treaty System, dating back to 1959, has long guided the peaceful use and
scientific exploration of the continent. By 2040, though, significant environmental and
geopolitical changes will be challenging its framework. Melting ice sheets are exposing new
mineral resources and navigable sea routes, increasing international competition. Countries
with vested interests, including the U.S., Russia, and China, may push for revisions in the
treaty to secure access to these resources.
The Antarctic Treaty System is valid until 2048, at which time countries can request changes
in its framework. These may range from increased environmental regulations to the growing
disputes over resource exploitation. Such strengthening of its provisions would require
cooperation at the global level to preserve the unique ecosystem of Antarctica and also ensure
equitable resource management. But the ATS, like the Arctic, where countries such as Russia
have used regimes including UNCLOS to expand claims of territorial influence over the way
in which the Arctic will be governed, could very well see demands for revision in response to
shifting geopolitical interests and competition for natural resources. This might encompass
disputes over continental shelf extensions, rights to newly exposed resources, and the role of
militarization. Learning from the Arctic, under a revised ATS, peace and scientific
collaboration will be crucial to preventing conflict and ensuring sustainable development.
c) Exclusive Economic Zones
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) were formed to prevent conflicts over the use and ownership
of marine resources and help countries benefit from their surrounding waters. EEZ was formed
under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS). An EEZ spread up to 200
nautical miles(approximately 370 kilometers) from a country’s coastline. In this 200 nautical
miles, the coastal state has the right to energy production (water, wind and currents), exploration,
exploitation, jurisdiction over marine research, and management of natural resources.EEZs grant
countries significant economic privileges but they don’t offer full sovereignty. Other nations have
the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and they can, in certain conditions , lay submarine
cables and pipelines.
e) Hydro-politics
Hydropolitics, sometimes called water politics, are politics affected by the availability of water
and water resources, a necessity for all life forms and human civilization. Hydropolitics' core idea
consists of the politics of water management and control, but its scope can reach environmental
protection, geostrategic considerations, domestic water policy, social justice issues, and energy
production. Since water basins do not align with national borders, water resource policy is also
determined by international agreements, also known as hydro-politics. The definition may reform
depending on the focus—international relations, environmental sustainability, or local governance.
When water politics fail to acknowledge and uphold water as a human right through equitable,
,sustainable, and effective management of water resources conflicts occur.
The result of inequitable water distribution leads certain areas to have water scarcity. Communities
living in these areas are deprived from their basic human right, water. They struggle to fulfill their
needs and this leads to forced migration and displacement. Communities in search of water would
lead to overcrowded conditions and human right abuses in refugee camps. Health crises wouldn’t
be unexpected.
Poor water management and water scarcity directly threatens agriculture by compromising crop
yields, decreasing productivity and increasing vulnerability of communities who make both ends
meet by farming. Water is needed for irrigation, livestock and crop growth.Agriculture being
negatively affected, the results are destructive, can lead to famine and widespread food insecurity
Water is vital for many industries, especially manufacturing, energy production and mining.
Because of the lack of water to operate, these industries can face increased costs and disruptions
in production. With these areas in danger, countries’ economic development and investment
towards them would be hindered.
Countries that have a greater supply of water have greater economic durability towards these
problems whereas countries, which have limited access to water, have less economic durability .
This gap in economic durability due to water scarcity can result in conflicts over water.
There have been many agreements set in place to try to avoid inequality and conflict with the use
of water. However, international leaders are struggling with incorporating agreements to ensure
structured and equal water allocation. For descriptive purposes, in 2020 there were 310
transboundary river basins globally. But, only a subset of these water resources were managed
under formal agreements or policies for shared governance Now there are 300 transboundary river
basins globally and this makes the gaps for conflicts between nations even wider. Also, in 2020
there were about 295 water treaties and this number nearly doubled by the treaty number being
500, but still policies and agreements intended to address water politics and allocation between
nation states are insufficient.
As the accessibility of water decreases, the demand for policies and agreements to address water
allocation and sharing increases. These agreements are most important for third world countries
since water is a vital resource and they will be the ones to be affected deeply. The aim of
agreements is to assure that all individuals have access to water as part of their fundamental basic
human rights. If agreements are not made and obeyed properly, third world countries will have no
choice but to turn to warfare with the purpose to secure water.
d.Climate Change-Induced Conflicts
1) Territorial and Resource Dispute in the Arctic
The Arctic is an internationally autonomous zone on the Northernmost Global pole. The
Arctic nations consist of Russia, Canada, Denmark(via Greenland), Norway and the United
States. The area holds a vast amount of natural resources that have become available for
exploitation with climate-change-induced melting of the Arctic ice caps. As such, multiple
Arctic nations have disputed over rights to the Arctic territories to access resources. The
melting of the Arctic ice is exposing untouched natural resources and opening new shipping
routines, making the region open for conflicts between Arctic nations . The Arctic holds
about 13% of the world’s undetected oil and 30% of its natural gas, along with notable
deposits of minerals, including rare earth elements. The discovery of these resources in the
Arctic region sparked competing claims by Arctic nations over territory and access to
economic zones.
Lomonosov Ridge is an underwater mountain range spanning the Arctic Ocean and has
been one of the central disputes. Canada, Russia and Denmark claimed that this ridge is a
natural extension of their respective continental shelves, giving them authorisation to the
surrounding seabed and its resources.
Another disputed area is Beaufort Sea, a resource-rich area between the United States and
Canada. This conflict arises from different interpretations of maritime boundaries.
Russia and Norway have overlapping claims about the Barents Sea, which is rich in
hydrocarbon reserves.
Russia challenges Norway ‘s regulatory control over fishing and resource extraction in the
Svalbard Archipelago, governed by Norway under the Svalbard Treaty.
With large amounts of ice, extraction of resources in the Arctic was pricey. But now, the
melting ice has exposed large deposits of hydrocarbons,minerals, new fishing grounds and
made extraction of oil and gas easier. (ülke isimleri ekleyebilirsin)
If countries can prove their continental shelf extend further scientifically, The United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows them to extend their
territorial claims up to 350 nautical miles from their coastline. But overlapping claims and
disputes over scientific data have complicated
2) Conflict over Northern Sea Route
Once inaccessible by any vessel other than powerful, polar class icebreakers, the Northern
Sea Route (NSR) between Europe and Asia is now open due to the melting of Antarctica’s
ice.The NSR(Northern Sea Route) represents a shortcut for the transfer of goods between
Europe and Asia and thus offers significant cost savings for shipping companies. The
attractiveness of the NSR as a shorter connection between Europe and Asia increases
further as container ship operators adopt “super-slow steaming” in order to reduce fuel
consumption and costs. Making the Northern Sea Route an alternative for traditional
shipping lanes like the Suez Canals or Panama Canals and captivating numerous nations
interest, Russia, China, India, United States and European Union in particular.The NSR’s
appeal lies not only in its potential to reduce navigation distance between Asia and Europe
by as much as 40 percent, but also in the development opportunities it presents for the
abundant natural resources in Siberia and Russia’s Far East regions.
Russia considers the Northern Sea Route an international waterway system under its
authority, considering its presence and historical use in the region. With sovereignty over
NSR, Russia aims to monetize the passage through transit fees , resource extraction etc.
making NSR a vital part of its economic development in the Arctic.
Russia has supporters in different ways. By having joint energy projects, India indirectly
supports Russia’s Arctic claims. South Korea and Japan have growing economic ties to
Russia’s Arctic projects, especially in energy and shipping. While avoiding to take clear
political positions, their involvement supports Russia’s aim to make NSR an economic
corridor. China supports Russia’s dominance in the NSR mainly because of economical
partnerships but prefers the NSR to be international waters for broader access. It cooperates
with Russia to secure its Arctic interests, balancing cooperation with barely visible
freedom.
Some entities and countries oppose Russia’s dominance over Northern Sea Passage. The
United States, stating that the route should be classified as an international passage under
UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) supports the free navigation
without requiring Russian permission or oversight. The U.S views Russia’s sovereignty
over NSR as a threat to regional stability and global security and is uneasy about Russia’s
militarization of the Arctic to secure its dominance over the route. Denmark(via
Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland share similar concerns about Russia’s
militarization over the Arctic and support assert that the NSR qualifies as an international
passage. China prefers Arctic waters to be international to ensure its own access for trade
and resource exploration. The European Union assesses Russia’s claims and regulatory
measures over the NSR as unilateral actions
f) Forced Migration and Resettlement
Unprecedented environmental changes, forced by the rapid melting of Antarctica's glaciers, will
make forced migration and resettlement one of the most serious global challenges by 2040. Polar
ice sheets, which have been losing mass at an alarming rate, are projected to accelerate sea level
rise to catastrophic levels. With the projected increase in global temperatures, melting at Antarctica
alone is seen as potentially contributing up to a global sea level rise of up to 30 centimeters above
pre-industrial levels by 2040.
Such a radical change in the environment would make countries with coastlines or small island
nations victims of gigantic, internally displaced migrations. These lowland communities,
comprising areas such as Bangladesh, portions of Pacific Islands, and metropolitan areas including
New York and Mumbai, stand to be submerged, either outright or through the frequency of
flooding, permanently unlivable. This displacement of several million climate refugees into other
neighborhoods and the overall infrastructure of displaced persons will result in phenomenal
pressure.
Resettlement will require strong international cooperation in finding solutions to the sociopolitical
and economic challenges brought forth by this mass migration crisis. Countries should design
adaptive strategies that include resilient infrastructure, host country preparedness, and mitigating
the root causes of forced migration through aggressive climate action. If neglected, tensions could
rise over meager resources, territorial disputes, and humanitarian crises, thereby destabilizing
global security.
g) International Maritime Boundaries
The international maritime boundaries define territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and
continental shelves for each coastal nation, specifying their rights and responsibilities in regard to
marine resources. These are important in defining access to fisheries, reserves of offshore energy,
and shipping routes, with governance generally focused through the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea. But with the acceleration of climate change, a rise in sea levels and shifting
coastlines threaten to redraw these boundaries and sharpen disputes among nations.
By 2040, a projected rise in sea levels by as much as 30 centimeters above pre-industrial levels
will flood low-lying coastal areas, submerge islands, and even erase some landmasses altogether.
This will dramatically alter the maritime boundary delineations, as submerged baselines that once
defined the extent of territorial waters and EEZs disappear. For small island states like the
Maldives and Tuvalu, land loss could translate into losing sovereignty over large areas of ocean,
thus provoking diplomatic crises and legal disputes.
Furthermore, the emergence of disputed submerged territories and shifting EEZs is likely to
sharpen geopolitical disputes. For example, the competition and conflict between nations may rise
over access to crucial marine resources, such as Arctic oil reserves or South China Sea fishing
zones.
These challenges require international cooperation to resolve. DISEC needs to work on
strengthening the dispute settlement framework under UNCLOS so that climate-induced changes
do not undermine global peace and security. Adaptive strategies, such as fixed boundary
agreements and protection of the rights of small island states, will be very important in maintaining
stability in the maritime domain.
6. Timeline of Events
2025:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases a landmark report highlighting that
Antarctic ice loss is happening more quickly than previously thought. Satellite images show the
Thwaites and Pine Island glaciers are retreating fast, with the potential to destabilize enormous
parts of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Global leaders meet at the Paris Climate Conference 2.0 to
consider emergency mitigation strategies. Kiribati and Marshall Islands are declared uninhabitable
and relocation of population begins.
2026:
A huge calving event at Thwaites Glacier releases an iceberg the size of Manhattan into the
Southern Ocean. This sends alarm throughout the world as scientists warn the glacier collapse may
add over two feet to sea levels worldwide in the long run. Coastal cities throughout South Asia
and the Pacific reinforce sea defenses against frequent storm surges and tidal flooding. The
Maldivian government starts large-scale relocation projects, relocating some residents to India and
Sri Lanka.
2027:
East Antarctica enters an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures in some areas 28°C above
normal. The Conger-Glenzer Ice Shelf collapses as a result, further showing how ice masses
previously considered stable are vulnerable. Accelerated glacial melt due to rising global
temperatures contributes to a 10 mm sea-level rise in just one year. Climate emergencies are
declared by some of the world's most vulnerable regions, including parts of the Netherlands. In
Jakarta, Indonesia; the rising sea forces extreme flooding.
2028:
The United Nations holds the first Antarctic Climate Summit to discuss the geopolitical and
humanitarian implications of a rapidly melting continent. This begets the Antarctic Resource and
Refugee Agreement (ARRA), which is a series of rules regarding climate migration and protection
for those displaced by it. Meanwhile, the unveiling of mineral riches by melted glaciers fuels
controversy over rival claims to Antarctic territory. Coasts get catastrophically flooded, parts of
the Sundarbans submerged.
2029:
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet further destabilizes, and scientists announce that its collapse is now
probably unstoppable. Coastal megacities such as New York begin mega-projects to evacuate and
relocate their citizens. In turn, the International Maritime Organization proposes new guidelines
in anticipation of millions of climate refugees. In New Orleans, USA; large sections of the city are
silted by heavy flooding, and many neighborhoods become uninhabitable.
2030:
Greenland and Antarctica account for more than 25% of annual global sea-level rise. New areas
of the Southern Ocean that are now free of ice reveal previously inaccessible shipping routes,
sparking disputes among nations with territorial claims in Antarctica. The Antarctic Marine
Conservation Coalition is formed to block the exploitation of newly exposed ecosystems. In
Miami, USA; the infrastructure fails to keep pace with the rising waters. The coastal suburbs,
including partial areas of Miami Beach, are abandoned due to a rise in sea level by more than 20
cm since pre-industrial times.
2031:
For the first time in history, the Arctic has an 'almost ice-free' summer. This is the year when
record heatwaves also sweep across large parts of the world, and the collapse of key ice shelves in
Antarctica occurs. Global sea levels are now 15 cm higher than at pre-industrial levels, and the
frequency of extreme weather events increases dramatically.
2032:
The Gulf Stream is showing signs of extreme weakening, and it is predicted by scientists to
collapse in decades. This, in turn, disrupts global climate patterns, making winters in Europe
harsher and monsoons in South Asia more intense. The contribution of Antarctic ice melt is high
in this regard, showing the interlinkages between global climate systems. For countries like Nauru
and Vanuatu, whole islands have been submerged; forcing mass migrations to Australia and Fiji.
Venice experiences severe flooding, as frequent high tides make much of the historic center
permanently underwater.
2033:
With coastal cities around the world experiencing severe flooding, governments accelerate
investments in adaptive infrastructure such as sea walls, floating housing, and flood-resistant urban
planning. Resource conflicts escalate, however, as nations compete for access to critical minerals
uncovered by retreating Antarctic ice. The Antarctic Treaty System is put under pressure amidst
competing interests that threaten its integrity.
2034:
International cooperation increases, and countries commit to achieving net-zero emissions by
2045. However, historical greenhouse gas emissions continue to contribute to sea-level rise well
after emissions have ceased. Frictions rise in the South Pacific as island nations begin losing
habitable land and maritime boundaries are rewritten. The tide permanently floods Staten Island
and much of Queens in New York City, USA. The government initiates mandatory relocations.
25 January 2035
Antarctica’s 10 percent has melted and global sea level rise is 6.6 meters. The Netherlands loses
30%, Belgium loses 24%, Denmark loses 16%, Germany loses 12%, France loses 7%, Italy loses
5%, United Kingdom loses 4%, Spain loses 4%, Portugal loses 3%, Romania loses 6%, Bulgaria
loses 4% of their land causing issues like mass displacement, refugee crisis, economic collapses,
resource scarcities and political instability.
7 April 2035
Forced resettlement causes refugees to migrate to other cities and countries. The Netherlands’,
Belgium’s and Denmark’s big amounts of land become submerged making communities living in
those areas migrate to remaining cities and higher ground countries like Germany, France and
Poland.
20 August 2035
Refugees move to Romania and Bulgaria as they have less damage and become temporary homes
for refugees. However, these countries struggle to keep up with refugees and their own populations
due to resource scarcity caused by climate change.
6 November 2036
The EU announces a €2 trillion fund to assist countries that are taking refugees. This action
encourages countries to take refugees.
20 March 2036
The overcrowding of camps in Poland and Hungary leads to spread of infectious diseases.
25 May 2036
Despite EU’s funding, countries like Greece and Italy refuse to take further refugees, citing
economic instability and resource scarcity. This sparks conflict with Germany and France accusing
them of avoiding responsibility.
7 August 2036
Anti-immigration protests take place in Slovakia, Poland,Hungary, France and Germany.
Protesters and some government officials oppose the immigration policies in these countries due
to concerns over the influx of refugees.
15 August 2036
These protests spread worldwide, Nationalist movements rises as protesters accuse their
governments of prioritizing refugees over citizens, mainly because of overcrowded cities and
resource shortages.
28 August 2036
The European Union convenes an emergency summit to address the crisis. Leaders from Germany,
France, and Italy demands increased funding and equal refugee distribution. However, leaders
from Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary oppose it, insisting on their right to control immigration
independently because of the incalculability of future scenarios.
4 October 2036
Euroscepticism rises as countries struggle to make agreements and the economical and social
disparity between countries worsen due to climate change and its consequences.
10 January 2037
A drought occurs in Europe. Overcrowded cities and unregulated distribution of water exacerbate
this crisis.
17 March 2037
Countries already having a hard time combating drought, like Spain and Portuga,l can’t get
sufficient support from the EU union because of internal conflicts and reconsider their long-term
commitments like other countries.
24 April 2037
With drought, conflicts about the Rhine River Basin intensify. Germany and the Netherlands argue
that the river’s priority should be shipping instead of water consumption. Switzerland states that
with the possible crisis in the future, the river’s aim should be focused on agriculture and energy
generation.
25 September 2037
Prolonged droughts destroy harvests all over Europe. This causes food shortages, which eventually
drive up prices ,making food access harder than before. Russia, benefitting from the Northern Sea
Route’s growing potential, promotes this trade lane as a way to make access to food easier with
this route.
27 February 2038
The proposal to use the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as a solution to famine gains attention. China,
India, South Korea, and Japan support Russia. Howeve,r the reopening of this longstanding
controversy about the classification of the NSR, whether the route should be considered as an
international shipping lane or remain under the jurisdiction of Russia. As a result, the focus has
once again turned to the Arctic.
30 February 2038
The United States, The EU, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland demand that the NSR
should be classified as an international shipping lane.
2 May 2038
China, India and the United States push for resource exploration rights as more and more ice melts
and non-signatory states begin taking advantage of their geopolitical influence in the ATS(
Antarctic Treaty System) to be included in decisions about Antarctica’s governance because of the
importance it will play in the future.
4 June 2038
Russia calls for a meeting among Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) member states, proposing
changes in the treaty, stating that the huge amount of ice loss in Antarctica needs to be adressed.
2 February 2039
The United States proposes the idea of “floating cities” in international maritime boundaries as a
solution for refugee problems. These floating cities would provide shelter for displaced people and
offer basic ammenities.
4 February 2039
This sparks controversy about its governance, funding, legal status of these cities under
international law and floating cities citizens citizenship rights.
7 February 2039
Several countries of the European nations suggest placing floating cities within Exclusive
Economic Zones (EEZs), arguing that this would resolve like governance, legal status and
citizenship rights concerns
9 February 2039
However, countries start to look for other ways as most of the countries refuse to give up their
Exclusive Economic Zones while others argue that their continental shelves are insufficient for
such cities.
15 July 2039
Norway proposes that Antarctica’s remaining land be used as a temporary or semi-permanent
shelter for displaced populations.
17 July 2039
Member states of the Antartic Treaty System can’t reach a mutual agreement due to concerns over
resource extraction opportunities and territorial rights.
1 January 2040
Antarctica’s 15 percent has melted and global sea level rise is 8.7 meters. The Netherlands loses
40%, Belgium loses 33%, Germany loses 17%, France loses 15%, United Kingdom loses 15%,
Italy loses 8%, Spain loses 6% and Poland loses 10% of their land. Despite all the scientific efforts
Antarctica’s melting continues to melt rapidly.Issues such as territorial adjustments, refugee crises,
Antarctic Treaty System, droughts, famines, Northern Sea Route waits to be addressed
2 January 2040
The First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly will meet today in order to find
solutions for these problems.
7. Questions to Answer
1. What strategies could be used for dealing with refugee crises?
2. What would the changes be in the Arctic Treaty System?
3. How should the Northern Sea Route be classified?
4. What could be the strategies for fighting droughts and famines?
5. What would be the solutions for conflicts about floating cities?
6. How should water be distributed?
7. How could the effects of further land losses be mitigated?
8. Bibliography
https://intelligence.weforum.org/topics/a1G680000004CswEAE?tab=publications
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_politics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_resource_policy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Sea_Route
https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/understanding-the-potential-of-the-northern-sea-
route
https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part5.htm
https://communities.springernature.com/
https://nypost.com/
https://www.carbonbrief.org/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/
https://www.theguardian.com/
https://sealevel.globalchange.gov/
