In 2015, the world came together to create the Paris Agreement with the goal of slowing climate change and preventing the loss that the projected 3.6°C of warming by 2100 would cause. Ten years later, this figure has been reduced to 2.6°C. As the effects of climate change intensify, ranging from increased natural disasters to rising sea levels, tackling environmental issues has become not only a way to secure a better, greener future for our planet but also as a way to promote international unity and diplomacy. At HCMUN 2026, the UNEP will convene to address issues regarding transparent green production strategies and urban light pollution.

 

The committee will explore how advancements towards solutions for environmental issues are hindered by greenwashing, which refers to the dissemination of information that may be misleading or create a false impression regarding a company’s environmental friendliness. Delegates will be tasked with preventing and holding companies accountable for greenwashing to ensure that genuine progress is made to address the current climate crisis.

 

Delegates will also examine the dangers posed by light pollution and artificial lighting methods, especially as we enter into a world where increasing industrialization requires significant energy demands. The committee will be challenged to balance economic growth with negative impacts on humans and wildlife alike.

 

Despite significant progress being made to address environmental issues, especially with targets set by the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, we still have a long way to go before we reach the 1.5°C threshold. In addition, strategies to address these issues should ensure accessibility and affordability across the world. Thus, delegates must keep in mind that solutions to these challenges will require innovation and critical thinking to look forwards to a greener, more sustainable future.