The world is currently grappling with a daunting environmental crisis: plastic pollution. An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter our oceans every year, harming marine life, disrupting ecosystems, and threatening human health. This crisis has led to increased attention and action from governments, businesses, and individuals to tackle the problem of plastic waste.
In 2019, 180 countries signed a historic agreement known as the Basel Convention, which aims to reduce the movement of plastic waste between countries. The agreement was signed in response to growing concerns that developed countries were exporting plastic waste to developing countries, where it was often poorly managed and ended up in the ocean.
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, which came into force in 1992, has been amended to include plastic waste. The amendment requires countries to obtain the prior informed consent of the importing country before shipping plastic waste across borders. It also provides a framework for the environmentally sound management of plastic waste, including minimizing the generation of plastic waste, promoting the use of environmentally friendly alternatives, and ensuring the safe disposal of plastic waste.
While the adoption of the Basel Convention amendment is a significant step in the fight against plastic pollution, it is just the beginning. Much work remains to be done to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics, increase recycling rates, and develop sustainable alternatives to plastic. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in achieving these goals.
In addition to the Basel Convention, there are other international agreements and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals include a target to “substantially reduce” the amount of marine debris and litter by 2025. The Plastic Waste Protocol, being developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated and promote the transition to a circular economy.
In conclusion, the Basel Convention agreement on plastic waste is a positive step forward in the fight against plastic pollution. However, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. To truly address this crisis, we need continued action and collaboration at all levels, from individuals to governments, to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives.