[h=1]UN experts denounce 'myth' pesticides are necessary to feed the world[/h] Report warns of catastrophic consequences and blames manufacturers for ?systematic denial of harms? and ?unethical marketing tactics?
Damian Carringtonhttp://twitter.com/dpcarrington
Tuesday 7 March 2017 06.17 EST First published on Tuesday 7 March 2017 01.00 EST
The idea that pesticides are essential to feed a fast-growing global population is a myth, according to UN food and pollution experts.
A
new report, being presented to the UN human rights council on Wednesday, is severely critical of the global corporations that manufacture pesticides, accusing them of the ?systematic denial of harms?, ?aggressive, unethical marketing tactics? and heavy lobbying of governments which has ?obstructed reforms and paralysed global pesticide restrictions?.
The report says pesticides have ?catastrophic impacts on the environment, human health and society as a whole?, including an estimated 200,000 deaths a year from acute poisoning. Its authors said: ?It is time to create a global process to transition toward safer and healthier food and agricultural production...
