Globalization and Multi-Level Governance of Environmental Harm

Abstract

This paper is a chapter in a book on globalization and private law and deals with the mutual influence of globalization on environmental issues. Both a positive as well as a normative analysis is provided. The paper discusses inter alia the question whether globalization necessarily leads to a lowering of environmental quality and whether it should lead to an argument in favour of centralization of decision making concerning environmental harm. Also, the contribution of environmental law to the globalization debate is discussed.

Keywords: globalization, transboundary pollution, environmental quality, race-to-the-bottom, trade, environment, public participation, protectionism

JEL Classification: K32