Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that aims to control the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. Established in 1989, the convention seeks to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste by promoting the environmentally sound management of such materials. It also emphasizes the principle of minimizing waste generation and ensuring that hazardous waste is treated and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted on March 22, 1989, and entered into force on May 5, 1992.
2. As of now, over 180 countries are parties to the Basel Convention, making it one of the most widely recognized environmental agreements.
3. The convention emphasizes the 'polluter pays' principle, which means that those responsible for generating hazardous waste are also responsible for its proper disposal.
4. The Basel Convention promotes the reduction of hazardous waste generation at source and encourages developed countries to transfer environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.
5. The treaty includes provisions for addressing illegal trafficking of hazardous waste, which has been a significant issue in global waste management.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention address the challenges associated with hazardous waste management across international borders?
  • The Basel Convention provides a legal framework for controlling the transboundary movement of hazardous waste by requiring countries to notify and obtain consent before transporting such waste across borders. This ensures that receiving countries are aware of incoming hazardous materials and can prepare for their environmentally sound management. The convention also fosters cooperation among countries to develop strategies for reducing hazardous waste generation and promotes sharing best practices in waste management.
• Discuss the significance of the 'polluter pays' principle within the context of the Basel Convention and its impact on waste management practices.
  • The 'polluter pays' principle is fundamental to the Basel Convention as it holds that those who generate hazardous waste are responsible for its treatment and disposal. This principle incentivizes businesses and industries to adopt more sustainable practices by internalizing environmental costs, thus encouraging them to minimize waste generation. As a result, it fosters greater accountability and drives innovation in waste management technologies, ultimately leading to better environmental outcomes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in reducing global hazardous waste issues and discuss potential areas for improvement.
  • While the Basel Convention has been effective in raising awareness about hazardous waste management and establishing a framework for international cooperation, challenges remain regarding compliance and enforcement among member countries. Some nations still struggle with illegal trafficking of hazardous wastes despite treaty provisions. To improve effectiveness, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, increasing resources for developing countries, and strengthening penalties for non-compliance could help ensure better adherence to the convention's goals, leading to more significant reductions in hazardous waste impacts globally.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment due to its chemical, physical, or biological properties.

Transboundary Movement: The transportation of waste across national borders, which can pose risks if not properly managed.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before it is carried out.