Environmental Science
Integrating Environmental Law into International Trade Agreements
Quick fact
The WTO's TBT Agreement explicitly recognizes that countries can adopt environmental measures, but they must not create unnecessary obstacles to trade. Yet, when the U.S. banned shrimp caught without turtle-excluder devices, the WTO ruled against it—showing the tension between trade and environment.
Why this is interesting
You've seen labels like 'organic' or 'dolphin-safe' on products—but did you know that such labels can be illegal under international trade rules? How do countries balance free trade with protecting the planet?