U.S. Supports International Toxics Phase-Out Treaty, Why Not Kyoto?

Environmental Defense today welcomed reports that the Bush administration will announce support for the United Nations Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The POPs treaty bans or severely restricts twelve of the world’s most toxic chemicals such as PCBs, DDT and dioxins.

“As the organization that led the fight to get rid of DDT in America thirty-five years ago, we are pleased that the administration will support international efforts to phase out toxic chemicals whose dangers have long been recognized. The administration should now also move forward to cut the greenhouse gas pollution that contributes to global warming,” said Environmental Defense senior staff member Steve Cochran.

“The Kyoto Protocol is by no means complete. Negotiations on the treaty stalled in November, and are set to re-start in July. It’s time for the administration to turn away from those who deny the scientific reality of climate change, roll up its sleeves and finalize the rules for the global warming treaty that will work best for America and our environment,” said Cochran.

“Earlier this year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that the threat from human-induced global warming is growing, and that Earth’s climate, its species, and many of its countries are already feeling the effects. In light of these findings, the administration should begin work immediately with the bipartisan congressional coalition developing legislation to control carbon dioxide from power plants, and play an active and positive role in negotiations aimed at finalizing the Kyoto Protocol,” said Cochran.

“As the world’s last remaining superpower, and the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases and many other pollutants, the United States has a special obligation to lead on environmental issues. The international community and forward thinking elements of the business community are already taking on the climate change issue; it’s time for the new administration to face its responsibilities on these issues as well,” said Cochran.