Sir, – Last weekend marked 50 years since the Seveso disaster in Italy, when an industrial accident at a chemical plant released a toxic cloud over nearby communities. Thousands of people were exposed to contamination, farmland was affected and about 80,000 animals were culled.
The disaster became a turning point for environmental protection across Europe. Recognising the importance of prevention, transparency and safety systems, European authorities introduced legislation requiring companies to better understand, manage and communicate the risks inherent in their activities.
Today, as loud voices call into question the wisdom of EU environmental laws, the anniversary of Seveso offers an important reminder that strong environmental protections are built on lessons learned from past mistakes.
They protect communities, support responsible businesses and help safeguard the natural world we all depend on. – Yours, etc,
RM Block
Hans Zomer,
CEO,
GAP Ireland,
Ballymun,
Dublin.
