![big_green_gaps.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_portrait_mobile/public/publication/big_green_gaps.jpg?h=b1af0b0c&itok=WDs5hgLI)
Big Green Gaps: Our inability to tackle the messy issues at the interface of trade, development and the green economy
This address to UNCTAD's 49th Trade and Development Board explores what Rio + 20 failed to do: move us toward international consensus on what is appropriate state behaviour in the pursuit of a green economy.
We have a panoply of unilateral measures employed to capture both environmental and industrial policy-type benefits—from renewable energy subsidies to aviation levies—but little consensus on their propriety. Some are clearly WTO-illegal, some are not, and others occupy a legal grey area. But more important than legality is the question: can they actually be effective both environmentally (in disseminating more green technology) and economically (in fostering mature new entrants and innovators in the green tech space)? And how do we balance any global environmental benefits against the impacts on trading partners? Such questions cannot be answered in the WTO, and are caustic to the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism. But we have no other suitable venues for discussion.
Participating experts
You might also be interested in
Why Liquefied Natural Gas Expansion in Canada Is Not Worth the Risk
An analysis of the economic and environmental risks of liquified natural gas expansion in Canada.
Rethinking Investment Treaties
International investment treaties and their investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) system are facing growing scrutiny. But what would an alternative system—one fit for the challenges of the 21st century—look like?
World Trade Organization Talks on Subsidies that Contribute to Overcapacity and Overfishing: What's on the table?
World governments are currently negotiating new global disciplines to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. What new rules are being proposed?
CSDDD: EU's Due diligence law vote should drive supply chain sustainability efforts
The European Parliament has voted to adopt the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, aiming to address the environmental and social impacts of the supply chains of Europe's large corporations.