Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty aimed at reducing the movements of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to developing countries. This agreement establishes a framework for the management of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment, ensuring that waste is treated and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted on March 22, 1989, and has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it one of the most significant environmental agreements globally.
2. One of the primary goals of the convention is to minimize the generation of hazardous waste and promote its environmentally sound management.
3. It prohibits the export of hazardous waste from developed countries to developing countries without prior informed consent.
4. The convention encourages the reduction of hazardous waste generation at the source and promotes sustainable development practices.
5. The Basel Protocol was adopted in 1995 to further strengthen the convention by addressing issues such as liability and compensation for damage resulting from hazardous waste movements.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention address the issue of hazardous waste movement between developed and developing countries?
  • The Basel Convention specifically seeks to control and minimize the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, placing strict regulations on the exportation from developed to developing countries. It requires prior informed consent from importing countries before any hazardous waste can be exported, ensuring that these nations are fully aware of what they are accepting. This approach aims to prevent wealthy nations from offloading their dangerous waste onto poorer countries that may lack the capacity to manage it safely.
• Discuss the implications of the Basel Convention on global waste management practices and environmental protection.
  • The Basel Convention has significantly influenced global waste management practices by establishing a framework for managing hazardous waste responsibly. It encourages countries to adopt environmentally sound methods for treating and disposing of hazardous materials, thus promoting public health and environmental protection. Additionally, it has led to greater awareness about the dangers associated with hazardous waste, driving governments and organizations worldwide to implement better policies and regulations concerning waste management.
• Evaluate how effective the Basel Convention has been in reducing hazardous waste exports and improving environmental safety globally.
  • While the Basel Convention has made considerable strides in regulating hazardous waste exports, its effectiveness can vary by region due to differing national policies and enforcement capabilities. In many cases, developed countries have implemented measures aligning with the convention's goals, reducing their hazardous waste exports. However, challenges persist with illegal dumping and non-compliance among some nations. Furthermore, as global consumption increases, new forms of hazardous waste emerge, necessitating continuous adaptation and strengthening of the convention's provisions to enhance its effectiveness in improving environmental safety.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment due to its nature, including toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive properties.

E-Waste: Electronic waste consisting of discarded electrical or electronic devices, which can be hazardous due to the presence of toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

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