Interplay between Climate and Development Policies: Challenges for Developing Countries
Author
Editor
- Sunjoy Joshi
- Marlies Linke
Summary, in English
Current human-induced climate variability is linked to past economic patterns that are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. If climate change is to be effectively addressed, solutions thereof will necessarily affect global economy. International trade has become one of the pillars of the global economic system. In this light an overlap of climate change policies and the multilateral trading system administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO) is inevitable. International trade affects climate change, as it potentially increases economic activities that may in turn lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions might adversely affect competitiveness and hence reduce countries’ willingness to participate in such measures. This paper first provides a short overview of three key issues of overlap in the climate and trade regimes such as flexibility mechanisms; trade-related policies and measures and; the transfer of climate-friendly goods, services and technologies. After this general discussion, the paper analyses in more detail the recent debates on climate-related trade measures in both the United States and the European Union and discusses their effectiveness, legality, implications for developing countries and effects on the climate change negotiations. The paper concludes with a discussion of options to address the interplay between the climate and trade regimes with respect to border adjustment measures.
Department/s
Publishing year
2011
Language
English
Pages
91-114
Publication/Series
Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Document type
Book chapter
Publisher
Academic Foundation
Topic
- Political Science
Keywords
- climate governance
- climate change
- development
- sustainable development
- interplay
- fragmentation
- UNFCCC
- Kyoto protocol
- WTO
Status
Published
Research group
- Miljöpolitik