Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to developing countries. It aims to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner, preventing illegal dumping and promoting proper waste management practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, marking a significant step in global efforts to address hazardous waste management.
2. One of the key principles of the Basel Convention is the 'prior informed consent' requirement, meaning that exporting countries must obtain consent from importing countries before sending hazardous waste.
3. The convention has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it one of the most widely accepted environmental treaties worldwide.
4. It encourages countries to reduce the generation of hazardous waste and promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives in production processes.
5. The Basel Convention also addresses issues related to e-waste and establishes guidelines for the environmentally sound disposal of electronic devices.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention regulate the international trade of hazardous waste and what are its implications for developed and developing countries?
  • The Basel Convention regulates international trade in hazardous waste by requiring exporting countries to obtain prior informed consent from importing countries before sending any hazardous materials. This is particularly significant for developing countries that may lack adequate facilities for handling such waste. The implications include protection for these nations against being used as dumping grounds for hazardous materials from developed nations, promoting safer and more sustainable waste management practices globally.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in addressing the global challenges associated with hazardous waste management.
  • The effectiveness of the Basel Convention can be evaluated through its role in raising awareness about hazardous waste issues and establishing a framework for international cooperation. While it has led to significant improvements in waste management practices, challenges remain such as enforcement, compliance among member countries, and addressing emerging issues like e-waste. The convention's success hinges on ongoing commitment from countries to adhere to its principles and adapt to evolving environmental concerns.
• Propose potential improvements or modifications to the Basel Convention that could enhance its effectiveness in managing hazardous waste globally.
  • To enhance the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in managing hazardous waste, several potential improvements could be proposed. These include strengthening enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance among member states, expanding the treaty's scope to include emerging contaminants and e-waste, and providing technical assistance and resources for developing countries to improve their waste management infrastructure. Additionally, fostering greater collaboration between nations could help share best practices and promote innovations in sustainable waste management solutions.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste materials that pose significant risks to human health or the environment due to their toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive properties.

Environmentally Sound Management: A comprehensive approach to managing waste that minimizes environmental impact, promotes sustainability, and adheres to safety regulations.

E-Waste: Electronic waste consisting of discarded electronic devices and components, which can contain hazardous substances and require special handling for disposal.