GPS-Paddy Ashdown Forum-European Liberal Forum-We Are Innovation
November 8, 2022
At first sight, world trade would seem incompatible with the protection of the environment. However, the opposite may also be true: the changing condition of the biosphere modifies trade patterns. Free trade agreements have the potential to reduce environmental costs and improve and, at the same time, offer commercial benefits. By doing more with what we have and improving access to new technologies, integration can decrease the use of inputs such as energy and water and reduce environmentally harmful substances.
Similarly, trade and investment liberalization can provide incentives to adopt stricter environmental standards as sectors become increasingly exposed to environmental impositions. Consequently, this trade agreement can stimulate the use of more efficient and cleaner production processes, improve decision-making and the use of more functional technologies.
Speakers
Kai Weiss, Research and Outreach Coordinator at the Austrian Economics Center and a board member of the Hayek Institute.
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).
Moderator: Dr. María García, SL International Political Economy, Head of the Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, University of Bath.
Series «The EU-Mercosur agreement»
Negotiations on the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur nations of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay have taken more than 20 years. For many, this free trade agreement is seen as undermining the EU's climate ambitions, as well as being a threat to sustainability on the South American continent. The webinar series will provide accurate and validated expertise on this Agreement, the criticism it has provoked, and its impact on climate and the environment. In addition to the webinars, a series of articles written by the experts will be published.
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 is it important?
