Time for Greens to Step Up

Millions dead and that’s still not enough for environmental activists to change their color. Last September, Dr Arata Kochi, Director of the World Health Organization’s Global Malaria Program, called on the environmental community to “help save African babies as you are helping to save the environment.” Kochi’s plea was part of an announcement that the WHO would seek increased use of the pesticide DDT to fight malaria. Rather than answer his call, green groups continue their crusade against DDT. Leading the charge is the Pesticide Action Network and Beyond Pesticides. The Sierra Club is trying to play both sides. Sierra says it disagrees with the WHO’s claims about safety and maintains that nations should use alternatives. However, they say nations should be able to use DDT—but only in limited cases where it is “critically needed.” What could be more critical than millions of kids dying every year!? As the WHO discusses these issues at its annual meeting this week, greens should take the opportunity to wholeheartedly say yes to Kochi’s plea.