Free trade as a tool to save the environment

About this webinar

At first glance, global trade would seem incompatible with environmental protection. Yet, also, the inverse can be true – the changing condition of the biosphere modifies trade patterns. Harmonised liberal sustainably viable trade agreements have the opportunity harness the benefits of trade while reducing environmental costs. By doing more with what we have and improve access to new technology integration can diminish the use of inputs such as energy, water, and other environmentally harmful substances. 

Similarly, trade and investment liberalisation can provide incentives to adopt more stringent environmental standards as sectors become ever more exposed to environmental impositions as well as finding it the most profitable thing to do. Consequently, this trade agreement can stimulate the use of better cleaner production processes, better more functional decision making, and technologies. 

Speakers include:

Kai Weiss, Board member of the Hayek Institute and Research and Outreach Coordinator at the Austrian Economics Center
Valeria Piñeiro, acting head of the Latin American region and Senior Research Coordinator in the Markets, Trade and Institutions Division at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Moderated by Dr Maria Garcia, Acting Head of the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies. University of Bath.

‘EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement’ Series

Negotiations on the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur nations of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay has taken more than 20 years. For many this free trade agreement is seen to undermine the EU’s climate ambitions as well as be a threat to sustainably on the South American continent. The series of webinars will deliver accurate and validated specialist knowledge on this Agreement, the criticism it has provoked and its impact on the climate and environment. In addition to the webinars, a series of papers will be published written by the experts. 

The Four webinars will discuss: 

Protectionism – does it show its face? 

How can cooperation strengthen food security? 

Free trade as a tool to save the environment 

Where is the EU / Mercosur FTA going and why does it matter? 

Partner organisations of the EU-Mercosur Webinar series: