Macroeconomics: Trade and Environment Program

Trade policy that supports social equity and environmental sustainability

MPO's trade program seeks to promote a better understanding of the impacts of trade liberalization on critical ecosystems and the rural poor who depend upon them.

Program activities engage key actors, ranging from the national governments to the private sector and civil society, in seeking to change policy and institutions so that trade liberalization will more directly promote environmental sustainability and social equity.

Though rooted in rigorous empirical analysis, program activities move the MPO and its partners directly towards interventions that promote on-the-ground results.

As part of its work to create a foundation for dialogue among diverse interests, the program has issued a number of publications.  These include:

• A wide-ranging literature review released in November 2004 on the linkages between trade liberalization, rural poverty and the environment.
  
• Initial insights and lessons from our work in ten countries on three continents has been released in September 2006.
• From Negotiations to Adjustment, also released in September 2006, which offers a programmatic approach that proposes a shift in the trade debate toward the national and local levels.
• A working paper prepared with CSIRO, an Australian research organization, on the relationships between trade liberalization, agricultural change, and the environment. We welcome your comments.