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The research paper argues for a binding international agreement on fossil fuel subsidies within the WTO framework to address global negative externalities and climate change. It proposes using the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) as a model, specifically highlighting the Standardized Carbon Rate Measurement (SCRM) as a way to move beyond definitional debates. The authors suggest that successful subsidy reduction must be linked to a state's capacity to transition to green energy and may require WTO waivers on local content requirements to support renewable energy transitions.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the critical state of World Trade Organization (WTO) fisheries subsidies negotiations ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). It highlights the need to move beyond the 2022 Agreement (Fish 1) to establish additional disciplines (Fish 2) targeting overcapacity and overfishing before a sunset clause triggers the termination of the original agreement in September 2029.

This briefing note outlines the need for enhanced international cooperation at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding trade-related measures with climate objectives, focusing on coherence, transparency, development, and interoperability.

This research paper by Tristan Irschlinger provides a state-of-play analysis as of March 2025 regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations on fisheries subsidies. It evaluates the impact of the 2022 Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (Fish 1) and the ongoing efforts to establish broader rules (Fish 2) to address the root causes of overcapacity and overfishing.

This research paper by Tristan Irschlinger provides an update as of March 2025 on the World Trade Organization's (WTO) efforts to regulate fishing subsidies. It details the existing 2022 Agreement (Phase 1) and the ongoing negotiations for additional, broader rules (Phase 2) aimed at addressing overcapacity and overfishing to promote marine sustainability.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes trade frictions arising from national and subnational plastic pollution measures implemented by WTO members. By examining Specific Trade Concerns (STCs) and Trade Policy Review (TPR) questions, the authors identify six primary types of regulatory issues—timing, transparency, stakeholder engagement, proportionality, justification, and discrimination—and provide recommendations to help policy-makers design measures that minimize trade disruptions.

This report examines the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in facilitating the transition to a global circular economy to address the 'triple planetary crisis'. It analyzes current trade measures, identifies a disproportionate focus on end-of-life waste management over upstream resource reduction, and proposes a framework for regulatory alignment and mutual recognition of circular goods and services to prevent market fragmentation and 'circular resource nationalism'.

This document is an extract from a detailed analysis by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) regarding a draft text (TN/RL/W/278) on fisheries subsidies within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It evaluates the potential of these proposed rules to promote sustainable development by preventing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, while balancing the diverse interests of member nations.

A statement by Marco Lambertini, Convenor of the Nature Positive Initiative, arguing for the integration of biodiversity and nature-positive goals into international trade policies, specifically through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This policy brief, produced by CIEL and IUCN, examines the compatibility of a proposed international treaty to end plastic pollution with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. It highlights how the international trade of plastic feedstocks, polymers, and waste accelerates the plastic crisis and serves as a mechanism for spreading micro- and nanoplastic pollution.

This case study examines the process leading to the June 2022 World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the first multilateral trade deal centered on environmental sustainability. It details the complementary roles of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), which provided impartial technical and legal advice, and The Pew Charitable Trusts, which led advocacy and the 'Stop Funding Overfishing' campaign to create external pressure on WTO members.

This research paper analyzes a draft World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement aimed at curbing fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. It details the proposed prohibitions on subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and overcapacity, while examining the balance between strict disciplines and special and differential treatment for developing countries.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the historical and current tensions between international trade rules and environmental protection. It highlights the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), arguing that the removal of harmful subsidies in fossil fuels, fisheries, and agriculture is essential for achieving sustainable development and meeting climate goals.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) argues that Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA) mechanisms are becoming a reality as countries increase climate ambition. The author proposes a set of international principles and best practices to prevent BCAs from becoming protectionist tools and suggests the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the ideal forum for these discussions.

This policy brief examines how technical assistance and capacity building (TACB) can support developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) in implementing new, internationally binding WTO rules on fisheries subsidies, noting a historical lack of donor support for subsidy assessment and reform.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides practical guidance for World Trade Organization (WTO) members on implementing potential agreements to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies. It outlines general benchmarking and planning steps, specific implementation strategies for three proposed WTO disciplines—IUU fishing, overfished stocks, and overfishing/overcapacity—and discusses the necessary role of technical assistance for developing countries.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes various proposed regulatory approaches to prohibit fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing within the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. It specifically examines how to balance environmental sustainability with the development priorities of developing and least-developed countries, including food security and poverty reduction.

This case study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines how potential World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to discipline fisheries subsidies could impact the southern longline tuna fishery in the Western and Central Pacific, specifically regarding economic overfishing and the role of distant water fishing nations.

This case study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the potential impact of World Trade Organization (WTO) fisheries subsidy rules on shrimp fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, focusing on overcapacity, overfishing, and the role of fuel subsidies.

This research paper examines the role of product energy performance standards and processes and production methods (PPMs) in mitigating climate change and their interaction with international trade law. It argues that while energy efficiency standards are highly cost-effective and should be supported by trade regimes, PPM-based measures are more legally complex and controversial, particularly regarding their impact on developing country exporters and their consistency with WTO rules.