Climate Change: International Trade
The extent to which international trade mechanisms will accommodate varying greenhouse gas regulatory policies in different countries is likely to become a leading trade issue in the future. Our attorneys are well-positioned to advise in this area.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) will play an important role in the development and enforcement of international environmental law. Environmental regulations can have a significant trade impact and efforts are being made to reach multi-lateral agreements in the WTO to balance the competing interests in trade and the environment among Members. Private sector interests should be involved in that multi-lateral process to make sure that the changes are economically viable for their industry. Moreover, due to the nature of the WTO dispute settlement process, national regulations need to be “WTO-proof” and to conform to the extent possible to the requirements of the WTO Agreements. Among the services our experienced trade lawyers can provide are advice regarding international negotiations, including monitoring and analysis of developments in the WTO Negotiating Group on Trade and Environment, and advice regarding national and international developments in clean technology transfer and financing mechanisms as well as any “cap and trade” legislative efforts.