PRESS RELEASE: As the G7 meet in Cornwall, the Trade Justice Movement (TJM), has joined more than 10 other organisations ranging from unions, civil society and aid organisations, to urge them to ensure the trade system works for the climate. The group highlight “Ten things you should know about Trade and Climate Change”, drawing on earlier research by TJM.
“Trade has a huge impact on climate change, emissions from trade make up nearly half of the UK's total. Yet, this relationship still isn’t fully understood. We see a lot of discussions on both climate change and trade, but they are too limited and often treated as two separate issues.” says Ruth Bergan, Senior Adviser at the Trade Justice Movement.
“Tackling the climate and environmental crises is more urgent than ever and global momentum to do so is building rapidly. Yet international trade law lags behind and threatens to choke off serious action. The need to reshape trade policy is urgent.”
This is a crucial year for the UK, not only because it is hosting the G7 and COP26, but also because a lot of post-Brexit trade deals are being renegotiated. The UK has a unique opportunity to shape its trade policy so that it is in line with its climate and environmental commitments.
“Boris Johnson talks about the G7 as the most prominent grouping of democratic countries, being the catalyst for decisive international action to tackle the greatest challenges we face. We need the UK to really show climate leadership at the G7 summit, ensuring all trade deals reflect its climate ambitions.” continues Ruth Bergan.
This new initiative shows the links between trade and climate change in 10 short bullet points. It shows how trade can play a role in helping the UK reach its climate targets, but only if it rethinks its approach to trade.
The organisations that support the call for trade to support climate action include the Trade Justice Movement, Fair Trade Wales, Cafod, Compassion in World Farming, Friends of the Earth, Global Justice Now, Greenpeace, Public and Commercial Services Union, Sustain, Traidcraft Exchange, Unison and War on Want.
Download the document "Ten things you should know about Trade and Climate Change"
