POP, and we opt out
POP, and we opt out
the news is out. India is close to a final decision on ratifying the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (pops) and the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (pic). A note to ratify the latter is already with the Union cabinet; one for the former is being prepared. On the face of it the news is welcome. But wait till you read the fine print.
As of now, it seems, the decision has been taken to ratify the treaty availing Article 25 (4) of the convention that allows discretionary powers to countries. So, any future additions of chemicals to the list of pops may not be binding for all. Called