PHASE OUT OF METHYL BROMIDE: AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVE

Methyl bromide was officially listed as an ozone depleting substance in 1992. It is irresponsible that many governments have done very little to reduce MeBr consumption since 1992 - although they could have implemented rapid and substantial reductions by now. It is unacceptable that many governments have delayed action, and paid more attention to the lobbyists of the methyl bromide industry than to objective information from independent scientists.

In contrast, Denmark, for example, acted promptly, introduced early reductions, and has now phased out most uses of methyl bromide, including its major uses. It is time for all governments to show similar leadership in protecting the ozone layer.

UNEP's 1994 Scientific Assessment confirmed that early phase out of methyl bromide in both developed and developing countries would yield significant environmental benefits. Of the four policy actions identified by the Scientific Assessment for the protection of the ozone layer, global phase out of methyl bromide would have the largest impact. The Scientific Assessment concluded that 'If emissions of methyl bromide from agricultural and industrial activities were to be eliminated in the year 2001' the stratospheric chlorine/bromine loading (relative to 1980 levels) is predicted to be 13% less over the next 50 years. (WMO 1994:xxiii)

At the same time, UNEP's MBTOC report identified technically feasible alternatives (available or at an advanced stage of development) for about 90% of methyl bromide use (MBTOC 1994:3).

MBTOC's 1997 update report lists many examples of alternatives in commercial use in industrialized and developing countries (MBTOC 1997). And a new directory of companies supplying alternatives to methyl bromide lists more than 100 companies around the world.

Clearly, the earliest possible phase out of methyl bromide production and use is a major environmental imperative.