Committee : Climate change and migrant crisis

Country : China
Delegate : Avanessh K. Bhandary and Nitish
School : AVRS Gurugram

INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE :-

Climate change is making waves in China in several ways. It's exacerbating air
pollution and water scarcity and leading to more intense weather events like
floods and droughts. Coastal cities face threats from rising sea levels, and
melting glaciers in the Himalayas are impacting water supplies. Agriculture is
feeling the strain too, with changing weather patterns disrupting crop yields. All of
this is pushing China to take action, aiming for carbon neutrality before 2060.

THE CLIMATE OF CHINA IN THE PAST :-

The climate of China has undergone significant changes over the millennia.
Historically, China experienced periods of both warming and cooling. Around
2,000 years ago, it was approximately 2°C warmer than today. This was followed
by fluctuations, with notable cold phases during the Wei, Jin, and North-South
Dynasties (181-540), the late Tang Dynasty (811-930), and the Ming and Qing
Dynasties (1321-1920). Conversely, warm periods occurred during the Han, Sui,
Tang, Song, Yuan, and 20th-century periods. These climatic shifts have been
documented through various historical records, including official histories,
chronicles, and local gazetteers.

19th Century
The 19th century saw a shift to a colder climate in North China, with more
frequent and severe floods and droughts. Notably, catastrophic flooding in 1849
resulted in significant loss of life and widespread damage in Hebei, Zhejiang, and
Hubei provinces.

20th Century
The 20th century experienced significant warming, with the mean annual
temperature in China increasing by about 0.5°C. This period also saw more
variable weather patterns, including increased frequency of extreme weather
events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall.
. The East Asian Monsoon has played a crucial role in shaping China's climate,
bringing warm, moist air during the summer and cold, dry conditions in the winter.

In the past two decades, China has experienced significant climate changes. The
average annual temperature has increased by about 1.21°C between 1901 and
2017, with the warmest period occurring in the last 20 years.This warming trend
has led to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as
heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts. Additionally, sea levels along China's
coast have been rising, posing a threat to coastal cities and communities. These
changes have prompted the Chinese government to take action to mitigate
climate change and adapt to its impacts.
Is China vulnerable to climate change ?
Yes, China is quite vulnerable to climate change
The country faces several significant risks, including:

1. Sea Level Rise: Coastal cities are threatened by rising sea levels, which
can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion.
2. Extreme Weather Events: China experiences more intense and frequent
heat waves, storms, droughts, and floods
3. Glacial Melting: Glaciers in the Himalayas are melting, impacting water
supplies for millions of people.
4. Agricultural Impact: Changing weather patterns are affecting crop yields,
posing a threat to food security.
5. Public Health: Increased air pollution and heatwaves are impacting public
health, leading to respiratory issues and heat-related illnesses.

THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT :-

China has ramped up its efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its
impacts. Here are some notable measures:

1. Carbon Neutrality Goal: China has pledged to reach carbon neutrality

before 2060 and peak emissions before 2030.
2. Five-Year Plans: Climate policies are integrated into China's Five-Year
Plans, which outline social and economic development goals.
3. Green Finance: China is increasing support for green finance to fund
sustainable projects.
4. International Cooperation: Despite financing coal projects abroad through
the Belt and Road Initiative, China is also involved in global climate
agreements and initiatives.
5. Renewable Energy Investment: China is the world leader in renewable
energy capacity, investing heavily in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
The country has built massive solar farms and wind farms to reduce its
reliance on coal.
6. Afforestation Projects: China has implemented extensive tree-planting
initiatives to combat desertification and increase carbon sequestration. The
"Great Green Wall" project aims to plant billions of trees across the
country.
 7. Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme: In 2021, China launched its national
carbon market, the world's largest emissions trading system, to help
control greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon.
8. Energy Efficiency and Industrial Upgrades: China has introduced stringent
energy efficiency standards and encouraged the adoption of cleaner
technologies in industries such as steel, cement, and manufacturing.
9. Public Transportation and Electric Vehicles: China has significantly
expanded its public transportation network, including high-speed rail and
electric buses. The country is also a global leader in the production and
adoption of electric vehicles.
10. Climate Adaptation Strategies: To address the impacts of climate
change, China has developed adaptation plans focusing on infrastructure
resilience, water management, and disaster preparedness.

These measures are part of China's broader strategy to transition to a greener,

more sustainable future

PROPOSAL SOLUTIONS :-

To further help China reduce its climate impact, here are some ideas :

1) Innovate in Green Technology: Investing heavily in research and

development of new, more efficient renewable energy technologies could
give China a leading edge in sustainable solutions.
2) Urban Greening Initiatives: Transforming urban spaces with green roofs,
vertical gardens, and more parks to combat urban heat islands and
improve air quality.
3) Smart Agriculture: Utilizing AI and IoT to optimize irrigation and fertilizer
use, ensuring sustainable farming practices that maximize yield and
minimize environmental impact.
4) Enhanced Public Transport: Expanding electric public transport options
and infrastructure, including electric bicycles and scooters, to reduce
reliance on fossil fuels.
5) Circular Economy: Implementing more robust recycling and waste
management systems, encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials to
minimize waste.
 6) Educational Programs: Promoting climate education in schools and
communities to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices at
an individual level.International Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships
with other countries to share technology, knowledge, and resources for a
global approach to climate change mitigation.

CONCLUSION :-

In conclusion, while China has set ambitious climate targets and made notable
progress in some areas, its overall impact on global climate change remains a
critical issue. The success of China's climate policies will depend on balancing its
economic growth with sustainable environmental practices.
INTRODUCTION TO MIGRANT CRISIS :-
The Scale and Impact of Migration :- The migrant crisis in China involves millions
of individuals moving from rural areas to urban centers in search of better job
opportunities.China has witnessed one of the largest internal migrations in
human history. Since the late 1970s, over 280 million people—roughly one-fifth of
the total population—have moved from rural areas to urban centers. This
massive migration was largely driven by the economic reforms and opening-up
policies initiated by Deng Xiaoping, which led to rapid industrialization and
urbanization. This mass movement has been a driving force behind China's rapid
economic growth. However, it has also led to significant social and economic
challenges.

THE HUKOU SYSTEM - A Barrier to Equality :-

At the heart of the migrant crisis is the hukou (household registration) system,
which ties access to social services to one's place of origin. This system creates
a stark divide between urban and rural residents, leaving many migrant workers
without access to essential services like education, healthcare, and housing.

ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES :-

Migrant workers have been instrumental in fueling China's economic boom,
particularly in construction, manufacturing, and service sectors. Migrant workers
have been a driving force behind China's economic growth. They have filled labor
shortages in booming industries such as construction, manufacturing, and
services. Their hard work has built the infrastructure of modern China and kept
the wheels of its factories turning. However, this economic boon comes with a
cost: many migrant workers face low wages, long hours, and poor working
conditions, without the same labor rights as their urban counterparts. The lack of
legal protections and labor rights further exacerbates their vulnerability.

URBANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE :-

Rapid urbanization has transformed China's landscape, with cities expanding at
an unprecedented rate. This urban growth has led to the development of
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and high-rise buildings. However, it has
also resulted in overburdened public services, traffic congestion, and
environmental degradation.
SOCIAL IMPACT :-
1) Families and Education :-
The migration phenomenon has led to the separation of families, with many
children left behind in rural areas while their parents work in cities. These
"left-behind" children face emotional and educational challenges. Additionally,
migrant children who move with their parents often struggle to access quality
education due to the hukou system.
2) Housing and Living Conditions :-
Migrant workers typically live in overcrowded and substandard housing
conditions. The lack of affordable housing in urban areas forces many to live in
informal settlements or dormitories provided by employers. This housing
insecurity contributes to their overall vulnerability.
3) Health and Access to Healthcare :-
Limited access to healthcare is another critical issue for migrant workers. The
hukou system restricts their eligibility for health services in cities, leading to
poorer health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these
disparities, with many migrants unable to access necessary medical care.

CULTURAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC IMPACT :-

Migration has brought about significant cultural changes. Rural migrants bring
their customs, traditions, and dialects to urban areas, contributing to the cultural
diversity of cities. However, they also face discrimination and social exclusion, as
urban residents may view them as outsiders.
Demographically, migration has led to an aging rural population, as younger
individuals move to cities for better opportunities. This has implications for rural
economies and social structures, as fewer young people remain to work the land
and care for the elderly.
POLICIES AND REFORMS :-
1. Hukou System Reforms :-
The hukou system, which ties access to social services to one's place of origin,
has been a significant barrier for migrant workers. In recent years, the Chinese
government has introduced reforms to relax the hukou system, allowing migrants
to obtain urban hukou status more easily. These reforms aim to provide migrants
with better access to social services, such as education, healthcare, and
housing. However, the implementation of these reforms has been uneven across
different cities and regions, and many migrants still face challenges in obtaining
urban hukou status.
2. Social Security and Labor Rights :-
To improve the living conditions of migrant workers, the government has
introduced policies to extend social security coverage to include migrant workers.
This includes access to pension, medical insurance, and unemployment benefits.
Additionally, efforts have been made to strengthen labor rights and protections for
migrant workers, such as enforcing minimum wage laws and improving
workplace safety standards.
3. Affordable Housing Initiatives :-
Recognizing the housing challenges faced by migrant workers, the government
has launched affordable housing initiatives to provide better living conditions.
These initiatives aim to increase the supply of affordable housing in urban areas
and improve the quality of existing housing for migrants. However, the demand
for affordable housing still exceeds the supply, and many migrants continue to
live in substandard conditions.
4. Education Reforms :-
To address the educational challenges faced by migrant children, the government
has implemented policies to ensure equal access to education. This includes
allowing migrant children to attend local schools and providing financial support
to cover school fees and other expenses. Despite these efforts, many migrant
children still face barriers to accessing quality education due to the hukou system
and other administrative hurdles.
 5. COVID-19 Response and Support :-
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of migrant workers,
with many losing their jobs and being forced to return to their hometowns. In
response, the government has introduced measures to support migrant workers
during the pandemic, such as providing financial assistance, job training
programs, and healthcare services. These measures aim to help migrant workers
recover from the economic impact of the pandemic and reintegrate into the labor
market.
6. Future Policy Directions :-
Looking ahead, the Chinese government recognizes the need for continued
reforms to address the migrant crisis. This includes further relaxing the hukou
system, expanding social security coverage, and improving access to education
and healthcare for migrant workers. Additionally, there is a focus on promoting
sustainable urbanization and creating more job opportunities in rural areas to
reduce the pressure on urban centers.

CONCLUSION :-
The migrant crisis in China is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires
comprehensive and sustained efforts to address. As China continues to grow and
develop, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their origin, have access to
essential services and opportunities will be key to achieving long-term social
stability and prosperity. While significant progress has been made in addressing
the migrant crisis in China, there is still much work to be done. Comprehensive
and sustained policy efforts are essential to ensure that migrant workers have
access to essential services and opportunities, contributing to social stability and
economic growth in the country.