Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that aims to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to developing countries. It was adopted in 1989 and seeks to protect human health and the environment by minimizing waste generation and ensuring environmentally sound disposal of hazardous materials.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention establishes a framework for the management of hazardous waste and aims to prevent its illegal dumping across borders.
2. One key provision of the convention requires that countries notify and obtain consent before exporting hazardous waste to another country.
3. The treaty emphasizes the importance of reducing hazardous waste generation at the source and promoting recycling and recovery as preferred methods for waste management.
4. As of now, over 180 countries are parties to the Basel Convention, reflecting its broad international support for regulating hazardous waste trade.
5. The Basel Convention has faced challenges, including illegal waste trafficking and varying levels of enforcement among member countries, leading to ongoing discussions about improving compliance and effectiveness.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention address the issue of hazardous waste management on an international level?
  • The Basel Convention addresses hazardous waste management by creating a regulatory framework that prohibits the illegal movement of hazardous waste across borders. It mandates that countries must notify and receive consent from importing nations before sending hazardous waste, which ensures that such materials are disposed of responsibly. By promoting these guidelines, the convention aims to protect human health and the environment, especially in developing countries that may lack adequate waste management systems.
• Discuss the impact of the Basel Convention on the trade of e-waste globally.
  • The Basel Convention has significantly influenced the global trade of e-waste by establishing guidelines that prevent developed nations from exporting their electronic waste to developing countries without proper oversight. This treaty requires exporting countries to ensure that e-waste is treated in an environmentally sound manner. As e-waste contains hazardous materials like lead and mercury, the convention plays a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable communities from health risks associated with improper disposal practices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in achieving its goals related to hazardous waste management and environmental justice.
  • While the Basel Convention has made strides in regulating hazardous waste trade and raising awareness about environmental issues, its effectiveness is often hindered by challenges such as illegal dumping and inconsistent enforcement among member states. Additionally, despite over 180 countries being parties to the convention, varying interpretations of compliance can complicate efforts to ensure environmental justice. To enhance its effectiveness, ongoing discussions focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving cooperation among nations, and addressing emerging waste issues like e-waste more comprehensively.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment due to its chemical, physical, or biological properties.

E-waste: Electronic waste, which includes discarded electronic devices and components, often containing hazardous substances that require careful disposal.

Environmental Justice:

The fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental policies and regulations, ensuring that no group bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts.