The contribution of trade in environmental goods and services

The transition to a low-carbon economy depends, among other things, on the development, adoption and diffusion of environmental goods, services and technologies. This chapter looks at the extent to which trade in environmental goods and services can contribute to the low-carbon transition. Although international trade in environmental goods is uneven across regions, the sector is very dynamic. While the WTO agreements ensure that trade in environmental goods and services flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible, the WTO could make an even greater contribution to the development and deployment of environmental technologies by addressing relevant trade barriers and improving data quality on trade and trade policy of environmental goods and services.