For example, at the upcoming Earth Summit in Johannesburg and the continuing conferences on Climate Change, there are scientific presentations of various products which – by their very nature – are hazardous to the environment.
Those nations which accept the scientific evidence can work together to develop treaties among themselves – based upon the CWC – whereby these dangerous products can gradually be phased out of existence, by working with the manufacturers, so that there is no financial loss to the employers and no loss of work to the employees.
Those nations which accept the scientific evidence can work together to develop treaties among themselves – based upon the CWC – whereby these dangerous products can gradually be phased out of existence, by working with the manufacturers, so that there is no financial loss to the employers and no loss of work to the employees.
Based upon the licensing system of the OPCW, similar agreements could be reached restricting international commerce in environmentally hazardous products.
A transition period, similar to that of the OPCW, would prove the nay-sayers wrong. Those who think environmental damage is necessary for their vision of “Progress” would be shown to have no rational argument and an “Environmental Dividend” may result.
We should all – individuals, corporations and governments – follow the workings of the OPCW, for it is in our mutual interests to do so.
A transition period, similar to that of the OPCW, would prove the nay-sayers wrong. Those who think environmental damage is necessary for their vision of “Progress” would be shown to have no rational argument and an “Environmental Dividend” may result.
We should all – individuals, corporations and governments – follow the workings of the OPCW, for it is in our mutual interests to do so.
The new Director-General Rogelio Pfirter has a formidable task ahead of him if he is to steer the OPCW to its full potential.
Paul V. Rafferty
Photo of Director-General Rogelio Pfirter courtesy of the OPCW: http://www.opcw.org
For background on the ouster of former Director-General Bustani, please look at the series of articles in our International Law section, including “A War on the Peacemaker”, by George Monbiot. We hope such a "coup" does not again occur.
Paul V. Rafferty
Photo of Director-General Rogelio Pfirter courtesy of the OPCW: http://www.opcw.org
For background on the ouster of former Director-General Bustani, please look at the series of articles in our International Law section, including “A War on the Peacemaker”, by George Monbiot. We hope such a "coup" does not again occur.