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The Basel Convention was created to respond to increased public concern about toxic wastes in the 1980s. Tighter environmental regulation in industrialized countries resulted in sharp increases in the cost of hazardous waste disposal in these countries. Traders started shipping hazardous waste to less developed countries in Africa, Eastern Europe and other regions. There were concerns about toxic ships sailing from port to port trying to offload their poisonous cargo. In some cases, toxic waste shipments were dumped indiscriminately, spilled accidentally or managed improperly, causing severe health and environmental problems. Such incidents received international attention, and as a result the Basel Convention was negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Sea turtles of today have changed little from their ancient reptilian ancestors that appeared on earth millions of years ago before humans. For many years, humans have been exploiting turtles for food and decorative ornaments. In the last 200 years or so, the uncontrollable harvests of adults and juveniles and turtle eggs have caused sea turtle population worldwide to drastically decline. The remaining population are critically endangered and very close to extinction.

When eminent economist Nicholas Stern was commissioned by the British government to direct the largest study ever of global warming, the results made headlines world wide. The Global Deal offers a concise, accessible view of the climate crisis and its possible solutions, as proposed by one of today's greatest economists.

Pacific Island countries are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and variability. Conservation of mangroves and associated coastal ecosystems has been identified as a key natural adaptation strategy and mitigation measure to the effects of climate change.