WTO and the Legality of a Carbon Footprint Labeling Scheme: A Role for International Trade in the Fight Against Global Warming

24 Pages Posted: 11 Sep 2009

See all articles by Jane Kloeckner

Jane Kloeckner

University of Kansas; Government of the United States of America - Region 7 US EPA; University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Law

Date Written: May 30, 2008

Abstract

The overwhelming global consensus is that man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be reduced to mitigate climate change and support reasonable accommodations and adaptations to potentially catastrophic annual global warming. The international community should use carbon footprint labeling (CFP label) on products to help fight the battle against annual global warming. A product CFP label is a government measure that may impact international trade and be subject to challenge under the World Trade Organization Agreement. It is simply unacceptable to ignore or undermine environmental concerns by claiming unfair trade practices when there is a global consensus on those concerns. On the other hand, compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) law and policy is beneficial and supports environmental concerns.

Keywords: WTO, greenhouse gases, carbon footprint, label, trade measure, international trade, environmental protection, climate change, global warming

JEL Classification: F42, K32

Suggested Citation

Kloeckner, Jane, WTO and the Legality of a Carbon Footprint Labeling Scheme: A Role for International Trade in the Fight Against Global Warming (May 30, 2008). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1470960 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1470960

Jane Kloeckner (Contact Author)

University of Kansas ( email )

1415
Lawrence, KS 66045
United States

Government of the United States of America - Region 7 US EPA ( email )

EPA Region 7
11201 Renner Blvd
Lenexa, KS 66219
United States

University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Law ( email )

5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
United States
(913) 551-7235 (Phone)

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