The ongoing Conferences of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in Geneva have sparked debate over the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Nations have agreed to eliminate this harmful chemical due to its neurotoxic effects, especially on children. However, some countries, notably India and Russia, are resisting mandatory information-sharing, raising transparency concerns.
About Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide known for its neurotoxic effects. Studies have shown it can harm brain development in children even at low concentrations. Its use poses risks to farming communities and ecosystems, leading to social costs and human suffering.
Rotterdam Convention Mechanism
The Rotterdam Convention aims to promote transparency in international trade of hazardous chemicals. Listing a chemical under Annex III requires exporters to obtain prior informed consent (PIC) from importing countries. This mechanism allows nations to make informed decisions about hazardous substances.
Opposition from Some Countries
India and Russia have opposed the inclusion of chlorpyrifos in Annex III. They argue for more expert reviews and express concerns over the lack of viable alternatives. This opposition threatens the consensus needed for the listing process.
Stockholm Convention’s Role
The Stockholm Convention has already reached a consensus to eliminate chlorpyrifos, allowing for 22 temporary exemptions. This decision marks the differing approaches between the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions regarding hazardous chemicals.
Other Chemicals Under Review
In addition to chlorpyrifos, three other substances are under discussion – methyl bromide, mercury, and paraquat. Countries have shown sharp divides over these chemicals, with some fearing trade impacts from their listing.
Challenges in Consensus Building
Discussions on various chemicals have faced delays, leading to frustration among environmental advocates. Chemicals like paraquat have been blocked for over a decade, despite meeting listing criteria. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the conventions.
Recent Developments
Despite the challenges, countries reached a consensus on listing carbosulfan and fenthion in Annex III. This marked shift after years of blockades. Increased capacity-building efforts may have influenced this change.
Importance of Transparency
The non-listing of chemicals undermines the conventions’ effectiveness. It deprives importing countries of critical information about the dangers of these substances. This lack of transparency can hinder protective measures against harmful chemicals.
Future Considerations
The COP continues to evaluate ten chemicals, with eight being pesticides. Many observers express concern that the non-listing of certain chemicals reflects commercial interests that compromise environmental and health considerations.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the implications of chlorpyrifos on public health and agriculture.
- Discuss the role of the Rotterdam Convention in regulating hazardous chemicals.
- Critically discuss the challenges faced by international conventions in achieving consensus on chemical listings.
- With suitable examples, analyse the impact of trade interests on environmental regulations.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the implications of chlorpyrifos on public health and agriculture.
- Chlorpyrifos is a neurotoxic pesticide that can harm brain development in children, even at low concentrations.
- Its use poses risks to farming communities, leading to adverse health effects and economic burdens.
- Environmental impacts include harm to ecosystems and biodiversity, affecting food security.
- Documented cases of chlorpyrifos-related health issues highlight the need for safer agricultural practices.
- Governments are pressured to find alternatives due to the social costs and public health concerns associated with its use.
2. Discuss the role of the Rotterdam Convention in regulating hazardous chemicals.
- The Rotterdam Convention promotes transparency in international trade of hazardous chemicals.
- Listing a chemical under Annex III requires exporters to obtain prior informed consent (PIC) from importing countries.
- This mechanism empowers nations to make informed decisions regarding hazardous substances.
- It aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by dangerous chemicals.
- Challenges arise when countries resist mandatory information-sharing, threatening the convention’s effectiveness.
3. Critically discuss the challenges faced by international conventions in achieving consensus on chemical listings.
- Countries often prioritize national interests and economic implications over environmental health.
- Opposition from key players, such as India and Russia, complicates the consensus-building process.
- Calls for further expert reviews can delay decisions, leading to frustration among environmental advocates.
- Some chemicals have been blocked for over a decade, undermining the conventions’ credibility and effectiveness.
- Balancing trade interests with environmental protection remains challenge in international negotiations.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the impact of trade interests on environmental regulations.
- Countries like India and Russia argue that listing chlorpyrifos under the Rotterdam Convention could harm trade, denoting economic concerns.
- Resistance to listing chemicals like paraquat stems from fears of trade restrictions, despite known health risks.
- Commercial interests can lead to prioritizing economic benefits over environmental and health considerations.
- Examples of delayed consensus on chemical listings demonstrate how trade interests can hinder protective measures.
- Finding a balance between trade and environmental regulations is crucial for sustainable development and public health.
