Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between nations, especially from developed to developing countries. Established in 1989, the convention emphasizes the environmentally sound management of waste and encourages countries to minimize waste generation and promote recycling and recovery efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted in response to increasing global concern over hazardous waste dumping in developing countries.
2. It requires signatory countries to notify each other prior to exporting hazardous waste and ensures that the receiving country can manage the waste safely.
3. The convention has over 180 parties, making it one of the most widely accepted environmental treaties.
4. One of its key principles is that countries should manage their own hazardous wastes and only export them when they cannot be treated safely at home.
5. The Basel Convention also promotes cooperation among nations in sharing technology and expertise for environmentally sound waste management practices.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention contribute to the goals of a circular economy?
  • The Basel Convention supports circular economy goals by promoting environmentally sound waste management practices and encouraging countries to minimize waste generation. By regulating the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, it ensures that materials are handled responsibly, reducing pollution and resource depletion. The focus on recycling and recovery aligns with circular economy principles, as it seeks to keep materials in use for as long as possible while protecting human health and the environment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in addressing the issue of hazardous waste management on a global scale.
  • The effectiveness of the Basel Convention can be seen in its widespread adoption by over 180 countries, which demonstrates a collective commitment to reducing hazardous waste movement. However, challenges remain in enforcing compliance among member states and addressing illegal dumping practices. While it has made significant strides in promoting awareness and cooperation regarding hazardous waste management, ongoing issues highlight the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and capacity-building efforts in developing nations.
• Synthesize how the principles of the Basel Convention align with contemporary global environmental initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
  • The principles of the Basel Convention align closely with contemporary global environmental initiatives focused on sustainable development by emphasizing responsible resource management and minimizing environmental harm. Initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) echo these principles, particularly Goal 12, which advocates for responsible consumption and production patterns. By fostering cooperation between countries and encouraging technologies for safer waste management, the Basel Convention plays a critical role in facilitating sustainable development efforts worldwide.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste materials that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment due to their characteristics, such as toxicity, reactivity, or flammability.

Circular Economy: An economic model aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials and products.

Transboundary Movement: The transport of waste across national borders, which is regulated under the Basel Convention to ensure proper management and minimize risks to human health and the environment.