CONTENTS
I. Introduction
Ⅱ. The Environment-Trade Relationship
in International Frameworks
Ⅲ. Policy Issues under the WTO Framework
Ⅳ.
Conclusion
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper is to assess the interface between trade and the
environment. Reviews of empirical studies show mixed results over the
environmental Kuznets curve and the pollution heavens hypothesis. Apart from
controversies over the methodological issues, they highlight complex aspects of
the environment. A case study under the NAFTA illustrates the importance of
social organization in shaping environmental outcomes. Trade meausres embedded
in the Multilateral Environmental Agreements(MEAs) imply no automatic mechanism
flowing from trade liberalization to environmental gains. Finally, with respect
to policy implications, it suggests that the WTO should remedy market failure by
adopting both the polluter-pays-principle and the provider-gets-principle,
address standards harmonization by incorporating differences in environmental
problems, and allow the system approach.
