Conservation in International Trade and Development
International trade has critical role to play in environmental protection and the effort to mitigate climate change. Trade and environmental sustainability are highly compatible (Lenzen et. al, 2012). The expansion of global trade and the increasing integration of global value chains raise questions about how trade and the environment interact with each other. What are the effects of trade on the environment? Inversely, how can a changing natural environment modify trade patterns? Trade can have both positive and negative effects on the environment as discussed below;
CONSERVATION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT.
International trade has critical role to play in environmental protection and the effort to mitigate climate change. Trade and environmental sustainability are highly compatible (Lenzen et. al, 2012). The expansion of global trade and the increasing integration of global value chains raise questions about how trade and the environment interact with each other. What are the effects of trade on the environment? Inversely, how can a changing natural environment modify trade patterns? Trade can have both positive and negative effects on the environment as discussed below;
Contribution of biological diversity to global trade
Biodiversity is the presence of different species of plants and animals on earth. Biodiversity underpins all economic activities and human well-being. It provides life-supporting ecosystem services including the provision of food and clean water, but also largely invisible services such as flood protection, nutrient cycling; water filtration and pollination (Smulders, Van & Withagen, 2004). Biological diversity contributes to global trade through direct economic benefits such as the potential to diversify food supply resources for clothing, shelter, energy, medicines, a wealth of efficient designs which could inspire new technologies. It also underpins the benefits that business derive from natural capital and supports the key ecosystem functions that ensure the delivery of business operations and productivity (Smulders, Van & Withagen, 2004).
International trade is linked to biodiversity losses through direct impact of transport and the induced pollution and invasive species. Biodiversity affects global trade directly in all its multiple facets like pharmaceutical, agricultural, biotechnological, and ecosystem services (Waldman & Shevah, 2000).
Environmental impact of the commercial use of plant and animal population.
Animals and plant influence the environment to varying extends. For example, the pro
