Basel Convention Flashcards
What was the significance of the Basel Ban Amendment in 1995?
The Basel Ban Amendment prohibited the export of hazardous waste from OECD (developed) to non-OECD (developing) countries, addressing power imbalances and the exploitation of less-developed nations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) mechanism in controlling hazardous waste.
PIC ensures importing countries are informed about waste shipments, enabling informed decision-making. However, its effectiveness depends on proper enforcement and monitoring by all parties.
How does the hierarchy of waste management support the Basel Convention’s goals?
By prioritizing waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, the hierarchy reduces hazardous waste generation, aligning with the Convention’s aim to minimize environmental and health risks.
What are the primary challenges to implementing the Basel Convention?
Challenges include varying national resources, limited infrastructure in developing countries, and inconsistent enforcement, which hinder effective hazardous waste management.
How does international cooperation aid the Convention’s effectiveness?
Collaboration facilitates capacity building, technology transfer, and the sharing of best practices, enabling uniform compliance and addressing global waste management disparities.
Why is invisible e-waste particularly problematic, and how does it affect the environment?
Invisible e-waste, like cables and small electronics, often goes unrecognized and ends up in landfills. This results in the loss of valuable materials and the release of hazardous substances, polluting ecosystems.
Analyze the impact of the Plastic Waste Amendments adopted in 2019.
These amendments classified certain plastics as hazardous, enhancing their regulation under the Convention. They aim to mitigate plastic pollution and ensure environmentally sound management of plastic waste.
Critically evaluate the successes and limitations of the Basel Convention in addressing e-waste.
Successes include increased awareness and regulatory frameworks, while limitations involve inadequate recycling infrastructure, non-participation by key countries (e.g., the U.S.), and rising e-waste volumes.
How do case studies like the Khian Sea incident illustrate the gaps in hazardous waste management before the Basel Convention?
These cases reveal the lack of accountability and global regulations, leading to environmental damage and exploitation of vulnerable regions, underscoring the need for comprehensive international agreements.
How do liability and redress mechanisms under the Basel Convention address environmental damages caused by hazardous waste?
These mechanisms hold waste generators, transporters, and disposers accountable for damages, enabling compensation and remediation for affected ecosystems and communities. They encourage adherence to safe practices.
Analyze the role of environmentally sound management (ESM) in hazardous waste treatment.
ESM practices, such as waste segregation, recycling technologies, and energy recovery, minimize waste’s environmental impact. They ensure waste is handled systematically and safely, reducing risks to health and ecosystems.
What are the environmental and economic impacts of improper disposal of invisible e-waste?
Improper disposal releases toxins (e.g., lead, mercury) into the environment, endangering human health and ecosystems. Economically, it results in the loss of valuable materials like gold and rare earth elements, increasing resource extraction demands.
Evaluate the challenges faced in implementing the 2019 Plastic Waste Amendments.
Challenges include lack of infrastructure for segregating hazardous plastics, varied compliance levels among nations, and insufficient awareness about plastic classification changes.
How does capacity building in developing nations enhance compliance with the Basel Convention?
Capacity building provides technical assistance, training, and financial support to establish robust waste management systems, enabling effective implementation of the Convention’s provisions
Analyze the role of public awareness in promoting compliance with hazardous waste regulations.
Public education informs communities about the dangers of hazardous waste, encouraging proper disposal practices and stakeholder participation. This reduces illegal dumping and fosters support for regulatory measures.
