The Montreal Protocol with its subsequent amendments and adjustments has been providing a global regulatory framework for the phase out of ozone depleting substances. Till date, CFCs, CTC, HBFCs, methyl chloroform and halons have been already phased out completely by the developed countries and a number of other ODSs are scheduled to follow.

This article reflects on issues governing pesticides safe and sound management in India, various international agreements to which India is a party and the avenues of improvement in the regulatory framework.

Environmental policymaking has been equated with the art of making the right decisions based on an insufficient understanding of the underlying problems.

Upsets Montreal pact plan

Europe and the United States have clashed again over international environmental standards, this time regarding controls on the use of methyl bromide, a pesticide that can deplete the ozone layer.

In another brazen display of contempt for international treaties, the us administration is seeking exemption for certain uses of methyl bromide