Ban on brimstone

A RECENT UN accord on acid rain committed its 26 signatory nations to drastic cuts in sulphur dioxide emissions -- largely responsible for the phenomenon that wreaks havoc with humans, crops, lakes and forests. The cuts, scheduled for up to 2005 AD, range from 30 per cent for Canada to 87 per cent for Germany. Countries such as Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Austria have agreed to cuts of 80 per cent by 2000. The US, which was not a signatory to the treaty, contended that its Clean Air Act is akin to the recent pact and ensures enough environmental protection.