Environment and trade: a handbook (second edition)

Environment and trade: a handbook (second edition)

Exploring the linkages between international trade, the environment and development

The handbook explains how trade can affect the environment, both positively and negatively, and how environmental concern can work through the trading system to foster or hinder development in both rich and poor countries.

The handbook provides:

  • an introduction to trade flows, environmental and trade linkages, and the differing viewpoints on their integration
  • a discussion of environmental management issues such as national environmental standards and multilateral environmental agreements
  • a discussion of international trade law and trade agreements
  • a discussion on physical and economic linkages between trade and the environment
  • highlights legal and policy linkages as well as other cross-cutting linkages.

The handbook is aimed mainly at those with some knowledge about trade, environment or development, but who are not expert on the intersection of the three. It should serve as a practical reference tool for policy-makers and practitioners, and be equally useful to the media and civil society. With this in mind, the handbook uses clear language and a minimum of jargon to foster a greater understanding by all segments of the public.