Meeting Six: Globalization and the Environment

Main debate: Should trade agreements include provisions that set minimum environmental standards?

Discussion questions:

1. Is there a "race to the bottom" in environmental standards in developing nations? Or do you think globalization might lead to improvements in environmental conservation? How?

2. How has the WTO ruled in disputes involving environment-related trade barriers in the past?

3. Do you think WTO rules should be altered to allow governments greater flexibility in using trade policies to pursue environmental objectives? Would this be fair for developing nations? Would they comply? What would be the implications for economic growth in these developing nations?

4. Are demands for linking environmental causes with trade agreements another form of protectionism in disguise?

5. Would it be better to pursue environmental objectives more directly by negotiating issue-specific international environmental agreements and/or by creating a new world environmental organization? How would such agreements be enforced (would the threat of trade sanctions be needed to deter violations)?