We Simply cannot proceed with business as usual - if our planet is to be preserved for future generations - WTO Chief
WTO Director General Pascal Lamy says,
++ As we slowly emerge from one of the deepest economic crises, it is evident that we simply cannot proceed with business as usual. If our planet is to be preserved for future generations, we must protect our resources, our planet's biodiversity and our environment at large.
++ Trade opening improves the allocation of resources at the international level, including of natural resources. International trade can help countries with scarce water resources actually save their water by purchasing water-intensive agricultural products from abroad, for example. Trade also generates economic growth which can create demand for higher environmental standards, and the financial capacity to respond to this demand.
++ Nevertheless, it is doubtless true that such growth could lead to a greater use of energy and to higher levels of CO2 emissions. This said, about 90% of trade is moved by ship a mode which leaves a smaller CO2 footprint than any other form of transportation.
++ There is also the fact that more open trade can facilitate improved production methods and can make environmentally friendly products and technologies more accessible to more consumers at lower costs. This will surely be needed to reduce the use of energy and pollution.
++ Protecting the environment also means protecting our oceans. Over fishing depletes fish stocks in our oceans and threatens many species with extinction. Many environmentalists directly link certain types of government subsidies to over fishing. Reducing fisheries subsidies could significantly reduce over fishing and foster species preservation, which is why WTO Members are presently negotiating stronger international disciplines in this field. A deal in the WTO would mean richer oceans for future generations and would constitute a triple-win for trade, environment and development.
++ Global problems require global solutions, for which sound global environmental governance is key.