Freer Trade, Protected Environment: Balancing Trade Liberalization and Environmental Interests

by C. Ford Runge

The goals of expanded trade and environmental protection have long been viewed as mutually exclusive. Environmentalists warn that trade liberalization will increase demand for raw materials, overburdening natural ecosystems. The trade community’s concerns focus on the danger of protectionism masquerading as environmental action. In the past ten years a number of multilateral agreements to protect the environment have been signed with authority apart from GATT’s. What body of international law and which institutions should preside over the colliding interests covered by the different agreements? C. Ford Runge, a leading expert on trade reform and environmental policy, explores the linkages between trade and environment, and compares trade rules and environmental standards. He also looks at the economic harm done to consumers and producers of restricted goods. How can environmental harm be reduced and international trade be expanded with minimal detriment to the other? Runge examines actual cases and concludes with specific policy recommendations for the United States and the international community.

146 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993