WTO-UNEP report calls for eco-friendly trade regime

The World Trade Organisation and the United Nations Enviroment Programme have brought out a report on `Trade and Climate Change' that examines the intersections between trade and climate change and suggest remedies.

The WTO-UNEP report examines the links between trade and climate change from four perspectives: the science of climate change; economics; multilateral efforts to tackle climate change; and national climate change policies and their effect on trade.

The report, the outcome of collaborative research between the WTO and UNEP, aims at promoting sustainable development.

"With a challenge of this magnitude, multilateral cooperation is crucial and a successful conclusion to the ongoing climate change negotiations is the first step to achieving sustainable development for future generations," said WTO director general Pascal Lamy and UNEP's executive director Achim Steiner.

Both Steiner and Lamy urge the international community to seal an equitable and decisive deal at the crucial UN climate convention meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark in December.

They also urged nations to conclude the Doha Round of trade negotiations, which includes opening trade in environmental goods and services, a complementary track towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions to scientifically-defensible levels.