The Basel Convention Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Basel Convention Agreement is an international treaty that was created to address the problem of hazardous waste management and disposal. The agreement was signed in 1989 and came into effect in 1992. It is named after the city of Basel in Switzerland, where the agreement was signed.
The main objective of the Basel Convention Agreement is to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries, especially from developed countries to developing countries. The agreement aims to ensure that hazardous waste is handled, treated, and disposed of safely and in an environmentally sound manner.
The agreement covers a broad definition of hazardous waste, which includes:
– Wastes that are explosive, flammable, or combustible
– Wastes that are toxic, including those that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic
– Wastes that are corrosive or reactive
The Basel Convention Agreement places obligations on countries that produce, export, import, and dispose of hazardous waste. The agreement requires countries to:
– Control the transboundary movement of hazardous waste
– Ensure that hazardous waste is treated and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner
– Prevent illegal traffic of hazardous waste
– Cooperate with each other to ensure the safe and environmentally sound management of hazardous waste
The Basel Convention Agreement has been ratified by almost all countries in the world, including the United States. However, the United States has not ratified the 1995 amendment to the agreement, which places additional restrictions on the export of hazardous waste from developed countries to developing countries.
The Basel Convention Agreement has had a significant impact on the management of hazardous waste worldwide. It has helped to prevent the dumping of hazardous waste in developing countries and has encouraged the proper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste. The agreement has also spurred the development of new technologies for the safe and environmentally sound management of hazardous waste.
In conclusion, the Basel Convention Agreement is a crucial international treaty that addresses the pressing issue of hazardous waste management and disposal. Its obligations apply to countries that produce, export, import, and dispose of hazardous waste. The agreement has helped to prevent the illegal traffic of hazardous waste and has promoted the safe and environmentally sound management of such waste. Its impact has been significant, and it continues to encourage the development of new technologies for the proper handling of hazardous waste.