Trading with the Environment Ecology, economics, institutions and policy

Should there be firmer restrictions on trade, with more policies aimed at protecting its environmental impacts, or would the environment benefit most from unrestricted free trade? Do importing countries have a responsibility only to their local ecosystems, or are they also responsible for environmental degradation caused by the production of traded goods in exporting countries? Trading the Environment examines both the dependence and the effects of international trade on the earth's life support systems and looks at ways in which trading regulations could be adapted to promote ecologically sustainable economic development. It addresses the issues from a fully integrated approach, focusing on the interrelations between ecosystems, economic development and trade. The authors provide a carefully constructed ecological and economic analysis of trade and the environment, examine the existing legal and institutional frameworks and set out 16 recommendations to achieve environment beneficial trade at both national and international levels. Trading with the environment was originally commissioned by the Swedish government and is already regarded thereon essential reference. It makes an excellent introduction as well as constructive analysis, both for students and for policy-makers and professional economics and other scientists working on the issues. Published in 1995

List of illustrations Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Why Trade and the Environment? International Cooperation Overview of the Book Chapter I Nature's Life Support Systems as the Foundation for International Trade Life Support Ecosystems - a Prerequisite for Welfare Growth and the Environment Economy and Ecosystems An Ecological-Economic Synthesis Trade from a Natural Resource and Environmental Perspective Chapter 2 Economic Perspectives on Trade and the Environment Theories of Trade Trade and the Environment Localization of Environmentally Damaging Activities Political Factors Possible Solutions to International Environmental Issues Chapter 3 Trade Regulations - the Institutional Framework and Current Policy GATT/WTO: Today's Playing Field for World Trade GATT Exceptions for Environmental Protection GATT Panels on Environmental Issues GATT and International Environmental Agreements ED Trade Regulations and the Environment A new General System of Preferences Environmental Protection and Free Trade Areas Ground Rules for Ecologically Sustainable Trade Chapter 4 The New Playing Field - Towards Sustainable Development Ground Rules for Sustainable Development Conclusions and Recommendations Appendix 1 International Environmental Agreements with Trade Provisions Appendix 2 Excerpts from the Rio Declaration Appendix 3 Excerpts from. the GATT Appendix 4 Excerpts from the Treaty of Rome Appendix 5 Trade and Environment in the GATT Index