TTIP and Climate Change: Low Economic Benefits, Real Climate Risks

The recent climate change negotiations should inform many spheres of global governance—including international trade and […]

Policy Brief

15/07/2016

The recent climate change negotiations should inform many spheres of global governance—including international trade and investment policy. One of the most discussed new initiatives in Europe is the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)—a trade and investment agreement currently under negotiation with the United States. The current model that the TTIP is based on will increase carbon dioxide emissions and jeopardize the ability of Europe and the United States to put in place effective policies for mitigating climate change. Trade and investment treaties should be used to help achieve the broader climate change objectives of Europe and the United States, not hinder them.

The IMF’s Managing Director, Christine Lagarde has said that climate change “is by far the greatest economic challenge of the 21stcentury.”i The TTIP should not be an exception to meeting this challenge. The adverse implications of the TTIP for climate policy are significant given the role the agreement will likely play in establishing rules for the global economy in the 21st century. This rule- setting function of the TTIP is particularly important given the very modest economic benefits that the agreement is projected to generate.

This short policy brief outlines how the TTIP can increase emissions and restrict the ability of nations to adequately mitigate and adapt to climate change and offers a set of policies that would make EU- US trade policy more consistent with our climate change goals.

Read the policy brief

 

Find all related publications
Publications
23/02/2023

From the Green Deal to REPower EU

What about the EU’s Southern fossil gas suppliers?
10/02/2023

Climate justice principles

'Climate mainstreaming: Breaking down the silos' series
10/02/2023

Climate and health policy

'Climate mainstreaming: Breaking down the silos’ series
10/02/2023

Climate and gender policy

'Climate mainstreaming: breaking down the silos' series
Find all related events
Events
Upcoming
19/04/2023
Online

Climate justice principles

'Climate mainstreaming: Breaking down the silos' series
Past
26/01/2023
FEPS HQ, Brussels

Progressive Yearbook launch 2023

Looking back to look ahead
07/02/2023
FEPS HQ, Brussels (Expert meeting)

The path towards a socially just Fit for 55 Package

FEPS Policy Study launch
Find all related news
News
07/02/2023

New study on how and why social issues have increased in prominence during the EP negotiations

Progress towards inclusive economic transition but need for further improvements in terminology and framing of vulnerable groups
13/01/2023

New manifesto giving international impetus to Lula da Silva’s environmental policy

FEPS President, among the 50 scientists and former politicians from Brazil and Portugal who signed the manifesto
15/11/2022

FEPS delegation at COP27

FEPS delegation was present at COP27, with the strategic objectives of mobilizing climate finance for […]
28/09/2021

FEPS joins the European Alliance for a Just Transition

We are delighted to announce that FEPS joins the European Alliance for a Just Transition […]
Find all related in the media
In the media

Personalidades de Portugal e Brasil defendem parceria estratégica para o clima entre UE e Brasil

by Visão 12/01/2023
'Personalities from Portugal and Brazil defend EU-Brazil strategic partnership on climate' Visão's article about the manifesto signed by 50 personalities from Portugal and Brazil, including FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues, in support of Lula’s environmental policy

UE e Mercosul: manifesto quer tornar o “clima estável” um bem da humanidade com força legal

by Público 12/01/2023
Público's article about the manifesto signed by 50 personalities from Portugal and Brazil, including FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues, in support of Lula’s environmental policy

Luso-Brazilian manifesto wants to give international impetus to Lula’s environmental policy

by News Bulletin 09/01/2023
Manifesto signed by 50 personalities from Portugal and Brazil, including FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues, in support of Lula’s environmental policy

La doble transición verde y digital como arma contra los depredadores de la energía

by Crónica Global 18/11/2022
Article by Pau Solanilla, Director of Fundació Rafael Campalans, ahead of the FEPS-Campalans event 'Figuring out the Twin Transition'