Economic research and trade policy analysis
The contribution of trade in environmental goods and services
The transition to a low-carbon economy depends, among other things, on the development, adoption and diffusion of environmental goods, services and technologies. This chapter looks at the extent to which trade in environmental goods and services can contribute to the low-carbon transition. Although international trade in environmental goods is uneven across regions, the sector is very dynamic. While the WTO agreements ensure that trade in environmental goods and services flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible, the WTO could make an even greater contribution to the development and deployment of environmental technologies by addressing relevant trade barriers and improving data quality on trade and trade policy of environmental goods and services.
Executive summary
Climate change represents a severe, pervasive and potentially irreversible threat to people, ecosystems, public health, infrastructure and the global economy. Left unabated, it could undo much of the progress made over recent decades in development, poverty reduction and prosperity creation. Developing countries – in particular small-island developing states and least-developed countries (LDCs) – are likely to suffer the most, due to their greater exposure and vulnerability to climate risks and natural disasters, and their more limited capacity to adapt to climate change. Leveraging trade to tackle climate change presents several development and growth opportunities and will require significant policy actions to advance a just transition towards a low-carbon, inclusive and resilient future.
Disclaimer
The World Trade Report and its contents are the sole responsibility of the WTO Secretariat, except for the opinion pieces written by the external contributors, which are the sole responsibility of their respective authors. The Report does not reflect the opinions or views of members of the WTO. The authors of the Report also wish to exonerate those who have commented upon it from responsibility for any outstanding errors or omissions.
The decarbonization of international trade
The transition to a low-carbon economy will require the transformation of many economic activities, including international trade. This chapter looks at the extent to which trade contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but also assesses its importance for the diffusion of the technology and know-how needed to make production, transportation and consumption cleaner. Although carbon emissions associated with international trade have tended to decrease in recent years, bold steps are needed to further reduce trade-related emissions. Greater international cooperation is needed to support efforts to decarbonize supply chains and modes of international transport.
The role of trade in adapting to climate change
While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to limit the consequences of climate change, climate change is already having a major impact on the environment, people and, as a result, the global economy. This chapter explores the impacts of climate change on international trade and discusses the role that trade, trade policy and international cooperation can play in supporting climate change adaptation strategies. Climate change increases trade costs and disrupts production and supply chains. However, trade and trade policies, in conjunction with relevant policies and international cooperation, can help to alleviate some of the impacts of climate change, including on food security, by contributing to enhancing economic resilience.
Foreword by the WTO Director-General
Climate change is an existential threat to people’s lives and is dramatically reshaping economic activity and trade. This year alone, from the Horn of Africa to China, from Europe to the Americas, we have seen increasing heat and prolonged drought damage crops and reduce electricity production, while low water levels in major rivers have made it difficult to transport industrial and agricultural goods. Severe flooding left a third of Pakistan under water, devastating key export crops and putting the country’s food and economic security at risk.
Conclusion
Climate change is having a damaging effect on people, the environment and the economy globally. Major economic investment and ambitious policy actions will be required to steer the economy towards a sustainable, low-carbon growth trajectory, which is necessary to mitigate climate change and adapt to its disruptive and costly consequences. Thus, both climate change and climate policies will have significant consequences for international trade and trade policies.
Dictionnaire des termes de politique commerciale
Le présent ouvrage est un guide accessible du vocabulaire utilisé dans les négociations commerciales. Il explique, dans un langage simple, près de 3000 termes et concepts, en mettant l'accent sur le système commercial multilatéral représenté par les accords signés dans le cadre de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC).
Descargo de responsabilidad
Cualesquiera opiniones expresadas en este diccionario sobre acuerdos o disposiciones de la OMC, informes de grupos especiales y del Órgano de Apelación o cualquier otra información facilitada por la OMC son de responsabilidad exclusiva del autor.
Prefacio
El Diccionario de Términos de Política Comercial ha llegado a su sexta edición. Su tamaño ha vuelto a aumentar. En la actualidad contiene más de 3.000 entradas y referencias cruzadas, muchas de ellas nuevas. En otros casos, los cambios que se han producido desde la elaboración de la edición anterior han exigido que se reformulara completamente la entrada. Ha sido necesario actualizar otras muchas en mayor o menor medida.
Diccionario de Términos de Política Comercial
Este diccionario es una guía accesible al vocabulario empleado en las negociaciones comerciales. En él se explican unos 3.000 términos y conceptos en un lenguaje sencillo. Se dedica especial atención al sistema multilateral de comercio, representado por los acuerdos de la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC).
Way forward and policy recommendations
With regard to trade, multilateral organizations can work closer together to prevent a wider decoupling in the international economy. In the 1930s, the division of the world economy into rival economic blocs led neither to prosperity nor peace. That experience is at the foundation of the rules-based multilateral trading system.
Préface
Le Dictionnaire des termes de politique commerciale en est à sa sixième édition. Il a encore grossi et compte désormais plus de 3000 entrées et renvois. Bon nombre de ces entrées sont nouvelles. Certaines ont nécessité une réécriture complète du fait des changements intervenus depuis la préparation de la dernière édition. Beaucoup ont dû être mises à jour à des degrés divers. J'ai essayé d'être relativement complet mais il reste évidemment toujours des choses qui pourraient être incluses.