In the context of a planetary emergency characterized by multiple crises - climate, biodiversity, pollution and social inequalities - the relationship between trade and environment merits further examination. This policy brief outlines the search for sustainable solutions in this area.
Recent country-led initiatives on trade and environmental sustainability, trade and plastics pollution, and fossil fuel subsidies, and ongoing international negotiations on fisheries subsidies, offer hope for breaking the years-long deadlock on trade and the environment.
In addition, the World Trade Organization needs to ensure sustainable development is placed at the same level as its goals on trade liberalization and enhance science-policy interactions.