A dynamic infographic for examining the relationship between trade and the environment.

In recent decades, trade experts in a range of international discussion forums have warned of the growing trend towards using environmental arguments to restrict trade (“green protectionism”). Although protecting the environment is a legitimate and desirable goal for the international community, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean should be watchful that such measures are not being used by their trade partners to justify protectionist measures that have a negative effect on LAC exports by giving them greater social legitimacy. The solution to the tension between trade and the environment does not lie in reducing environmental standards but in ensuring that these are used correctly to care for natural resources without distorting trade.

 

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