Trade, investment and the environment

Environmental threats and economic activity are linked.

Experts from around the world agree that environmental problems are only going to worsen in the coming years as current patterns of economic growth continue - putting even more strain on already dwindling natural resources - unless significant societal changes are made.

The way trade and investment decisions will be made in the future, therefore, will seriously impact the environment, from fisheries and forests to
toxic pollution and climate change.

Our Vision
WWF's work on trade and investment reflects the fact that WWF has been a close witness over the past fifteen years to how international economic policy has been shaped by the short-term pursuit of economic priorities, frequently without giving proper consideration to the longer-term implications. This short-sighted and single-minded focus on economic priorities has substantially reduced the political will to act on sustainability issues.

We are working in countries all over the world, with key players ranging from politicians, to civil society, to business leaders, to make this vision a reality.

Our long term goals are three-fold:

1. Make the leading international organisation that regulates trade across borders - the World Trade Organization (WTO) - contribute to sustainable development, rather than undermine it.

2. Strengthen other international institutions to support sustainable development.

3. Integrate sustainable development into international economic policy-making, supporting emerging networks and concepts for sustainability (for example, through work with development and human rights organisations).

We believe that it is possible to effect change by employing new, innovative approaches and positive thinking.