The rise of globalization and urbanization has led to increased production and emission of hazardous wastes. Developed countries often mitigate their disposal costs by exporting large quantities of these wastes to developing countries, causing significant environmental pollution. International organisations like the United Nations Environment Program and various countries have recognized this issue and have developed environmental laws to combat it. Despite these efforts, enforcement remains weak against the growing threat of pollution. This thesis investigates how to improve the enforcement of laws governing the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, particularly focusing on the Basel Convention. It examines the role of inter-governmental and inter-institutional networks in achieving effective enforcement. By comparing national legislation and enforcement mechanisms in the UK and China, the study highlights significant differences in how these countries handle environmental law enforcement. The UK, typically a waste-exporting nation, and China, a waste-importing nation, exhibit contrasting enforcement capabilities. China's environmental law enforcement has evolved, yet it still lags behind the UK's more robust systems. The thesis underscores that networks - facilitating the exchange of expertise and resources—are essential in strengthening national and institutional capacities for enforcing laws on hazardous waste movement. Overall, the study concludes that enhancing cooperation through networks can significantly improve the enforcement of environmental laws, reducing the detrimental impact of hazardous waste transboundary movement.
| Date of Award | 7 May 2024 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
|
|---|
| Supervisor | Elisa Morgera (Supervisor) & Francesco Sindico (Supervisor) |
|---|