EFFORTS by individual governments to raise environmental standards could be undermined by proposals to lower technical barriers to international trade, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The organisation says by seeking to apply international standards, the proposed GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) rules would outlaw some national environmental regulations and open others to challenge on the grounds that they restrict trade. The basic flaw, WWF adds, is that free trade is given precedence over environmental protection.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.