Progress and Current Status of Hazardous Waste Dumping Regulations in the North Sea - From 1995 to the 2020s

Progress and Current Status of Hazardous Waste Dumping Regulations in the North Sea - From 1995 to the 2020s

In 1995, the North Sea Protection Conference agreed to "completely ban the dumping of hazardous waste into the North Sea by 2020," and countries have since advanced measures for environmental protection. France, Germany, Denmark, and Norway demonstrated particular leadership, regulating hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and PCBs. Countries made substantial investments: the French government allocated 500 million euros to develop waste treatment facilities, while Norway invested 10 million euros annually in recycling technology development. Meanwhile, the UK, pressured by chemical giants like ICL (Imperial Chemical Industries) and Union Carbide, did not sign the agreement. As a result, approximately 2,000 tons of dumping continued annually in the early years. However, responding to rising international environmental awareness, the UK also ceased waste dumping, leading to significant improvements in North Sea water quality by the 2020s. Progress in ecosystem
protection through international cooperation is expected to continue.