Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty designed to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries, particularly from developed to developing nations. It emphasizes the importance of environmentally sound management of waste and aims to protect human health and the environment by controlling and minimizing hazardous waste production and disposal.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adopted in 1989, the Basel Convention has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it one of the most important international agreements regarding hazardous waste management.
2. One key aspect of the convention is its emphasis on reducing waste generation at the source and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
3. The Basel Convention requires countries to obtain prior informed consent before exporting hazardous waste to another country, ensuring that receiving countries are aware of and can handle the waste safely.
4. It also encourages nations to develop policies that support environmentally sound waste management methods, including recycling and recovery of materials.
5. In response to evolving challenges, the Basel Convention has been updated with protocols and amendments that address issues like e-waste and plastic waste.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention contribute to reducing hazardous waste movement between developed and developing countries?
  • The Basel Convention plays a vital role in controlling hazardous waste movement by requiring that countries obtain prior informed consent before exporting such waste. This means that developed countries must inform developing countries about the type and quantity of hazardous waste they plan to send, allowing those countries to assess whether they can manage it safely. The convention ultimately aims to prevent developed nations from exploiting developing countries as dumping grounds for their hazardous waste.
• Discuss the impact of the Basel Convention on national policies regarding hazardous waste management.
  • The Basel Convention has a significant influence on national policies by encouraging countries to adopt stricter regulations on hazardous waste management. Nations that ratify the convention are motivated to create frameworks that promote environmentally sound practices, including reducing waste generation and improving recycling efforts. As a result, many countries have strengthened their legal frameworks and implemented programs that align with the principles outlined in the convention, leading to better environmental protection.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in addressing modern challenges such as e-waste and plastic pollution.
  • The effectiveness of the Basel Convention in tackling modern challenges like e-waste and plastic pollution can be seen through its adaptability and ongoing revisions. In recent years, amendments have been made specifically to address e-waste, acknowledging its growing impact on health and environment due to rapid technological advancement. By expanding its scope to include new types of hazardous materials, such as plastics, the convention seeks to enhance global cooperation and promote sustainable practices while fostering accountability among nations regarding their waste management strategies.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment due to its quantity, concentration, or characteristics.

Waste Management: The collection, transportation, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste materials in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources by reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing products.