Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that aims to control the transboundary movements of hazardous waste and ensure its environmentally sound management. Adopted in 1989, it seeks to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste disposal, promoting waste reduction and the safe handling of waste materials.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted on March 22, 1989, in Basel, Switzerland, and has been ratified by over 180 countries.
2. One of the key principles of the convention is the 'prior informed consent' requirement, meaning countries must agree before hazardous waste can be exported to them.
3. The convention promotes the '3Rs' - reduce, reuse, and recycle - encouraging countries to minimize the generation of hazardous waste.
4. The Basel Convention includes specific provisions for the management of electronic waste (e-waste), which has become a significant global concern due to its hazardous components.
5. In addition to regulating hazardous waste movements, the convention emphasizes the importance of environmentally sound waste disposal practices to protect human health and ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention impact the international movement of hazardous waste?
  • The Basel Convention significantly impacts the international movement of hazardous waste by establishing strict regulations that require countries to obtain 'prior informed consent' before hazardous waste can be exported. This ensures that importing countries are aware of what they are accepting and have measures in place to manage it safely. The convention ultimately aims to reduce the global trade in hazardous waste and promote environmentally sound practices for waste management.
• Discuss the role of the Basel Convention in promoting sustainable waste management practices among signatory countries.
  • The Basel Convention plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable waste management practices among its signatory countries by encouraging them to adopt strategies that prioritize waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. By setting guidelines for hazardous waste handling and disposal, the convention helps nations develop policies that protect public health and the environment. This collaboration fosters accountability and shared responsibility among countries to ensure that hazardous materials are managed safely and sustainably.
• Evaluate how the Basel Convention addresses emerging issues like electronic waste in the context of global environmental challenges.
  • The Basel Convention has adapted to address emerging issues such as electronic waste (e-waste) by incorporating specific provisions for its management. E-waste poses unique environmental challenges due to its toxic components like lead and mercury, which can harm human health and ecosystems if not disposed of properly. By including e-waste in its regulatory framework, the convention acknowledges the need for international cooperation in tackling this growing problem. This proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to responding to global environmental challenges through enhanced regulations and collaborative efforts among nations.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment due to its toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive characteristics.

Transboundary Pollution: Pollution that originates in one country but can cause damage in another country's environment, often necessitating international agreements for management.

Waste Management: The collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste materials, aimed at reducing their impact on health and the environment.