Charles Smith Memorial Lecture to focus on trade and climate

18:00 – 19:30 GMT

Screening Room (G.04)

50 George Square

Edinburgh

EH8 9JU

World trade law was created before climate concerns became a matter of major political significance. Acknowledging global external costs associated with the production of traded goods and services does not fit easily into the international legal framework for trade.

Over the years, adjustments have been made to texts, case-law and institutions, but there are still significant obstacles in the way of states ensuring their trade will not be undercut if they take the lead in recognising climate externalities.

Attempts to free trade in environmental goods and services have bogged down, and the idea of using of trade remedies to incentivise compliance with climate objectives is as controversial as ever. Even where subsidies with obvious adverse climate effects appear to be in breach of WTO principles, no action is taken.

Today members of the trade and climate “tribes” are beginning to talk to each other, but finding, let alone implementing, agreement on changes is a huge puzzle.

Former president of IETA Henry Derwent will draw on many years’ experience of negotiation and policy-making to see how it might be solved or worked round.

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