Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to developing countries. It aims to protect human health and the environment by regulating the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and ensuring their environmentally sound management. This convention is crucial in establishing global standards for waste disposal, emphasizing the importance of responsibility in handling hazardous materials.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted on March 22, 1989, and came into force on May 5, 1992, marking a significant step towards international cooperation on hazardous waste management.
2. One of the main goals of the convention is to prevent the export of hazardous waste from developed countries to less developed nations, which may lack the infrastructure to manage such waste safely.
3. The convention requires countries to obtain prior informed consent before exporting hazardous wastes, ensuring that receiving countries are fully aware of the type and quantity of waste being imported.
4. The Basel Convention has been ratified by over 180 countries, making it one of the most widely accepted environmental treaties globally.
5. Amendments to the convention have expanded its scope to include electronic waste (e-waste), highlighting the growing concerns regarding the disposal of electronic products.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention address the issue of hazardous waste movement between developed and developing countries?
  • The Basel Convention addresses hazardous waste movement by establishing strict regulations that prevent developed countries from exporting their hazardous wastes to developing nations without proper oversight. It requires prior informed consent from receiving countries before any hazardous waste can be exported, ensuring these nations are fully aware of the risks involved. This approach aims to protect vulnerable populations and environments in less developed areas from being overwhelmed by waste they cannot manage safely.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in managing electronic waste and its impact on global environmental practices.
  • The Basel Convention has made significant strides in managing electronic waste (e-waste) by expanding its scope to include these materials as a category of hazardous waste. This has heightened awareness around e-waste issues and encouraged responsible recycling and disposal practices worldwide. However, challenges remain due to the rapid growth of technology and lack of compliance by some nations. Overall, the convention has contributed positively to global environmental practices but requires continual adaptation to address emerging e-waste problems.
• Assess how the principles outlined in the Basel Convention influence national policies on waste management and environmental protection in various countries.
  • The principles outlined in the Basel Convention significantly influence national policies by encouraging countries to adopt stricter regulations on hazardous waste management and promote sustainable practices. By aligning national laws with international standards set by the convention, countries enhance their environmental protection efforts and ensure safer handling of hazardous materials. Furthermore, nations are prompted to invest in infrastructure for environmentally sound management systems. However, implementation can vary widely based on a country's resources and commitment levels, resulting in disparities in how effectively these principles are put into practice.

Related terms

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

Transboundary Movement: The transportation of waste across national borders, which can lead to environmental and social issues if not properly managed.

Environmentally Sound Management: A practice that ensures waste is managed in a way that protects human health and the environment, minimizing risks associated with waste disposal.