Trade and Environment: How WTO Law Helps

Abstract

In a political environment in which many question the benefits of the multilateral trading system, it is important to explain the role of WTO law in public interest regulation. This paper will show how WTO law can be a positive force for environmental protection, in the GATT, TBT Agreement, SPS Agreement, SCM Agreement, and TRIPS Agreement. WTO law plays a key role in promoting science-based environmental policies and technological innovation, both of which are essential to addressing environmental issues. Ideally, it should do so in a way that harnesses the power of markets, where evidence demonstrates that market-based regulation is the best way to solve environmental problems.