Trade: The Connection Between Environment and Sustainable Livelihoods
Published: May 2003
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Publication Summary
By David Boyer
Working Papers Series #5 - March, 2001
This paper challenges some of the prevailing views surrounding issues of poverty and environmental sustainability. Specific discussion topics include the evident increase in poverty and hardship that is caused by: trade in natural resources such as minerals, oil, gas and forestry; increased irrigation and water diversion for agriculture; subsidized fishing fleets; and increased infrastructure. At the same time these economic development strategies are failing to alleviate suffering, they are causing environmental damage as well.
There is also an overview of key multilateral environmental agreements over the past few decades, and the prospect for trade agreements balanced with environmental linkages.