Single title
During the last four decades, and as a main component of globalization, a generalized liberalization and open market process has taken place in most countries worldwide. Many see liberalization as an essential part of (sustainable) development. Many countries, mainly Asia and Latin America, have gradually begun to emerge from poverty and under development, as a result, among other things, of international trade. However, paradoxically, the openness of international trade has increased the pressure on natural resources and capacities of many countries to address its consequences, including pollution, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, and negative impacts on natural resources in general.
This first policy brief addressing International Trade, Development and the Environment: A Review of Instruments, Negotiations, Processes and Actors Relevant for Latin America, presents an overview and synthesis of the debate and current negotiation processes concerning trade, and their relationship with the environment. This brief is a first overview which will lead to more detailed and analysis of specific issues in upcoming numbers of this series, including on the trade relationships with climate change, biodiversity, intellectual property and food security.
