“NAVIGATING THE NEXUS: THE ROLE OF WTO JURISPRUDENCE IN HARMONIZING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CLIMATE CHANGE POLICIES”

AUTHOR – NANDITA GUPTA, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF LAW, CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY)

BEST CITATION – NANDITA GUPTA, “NAVIGATING THE NEXUS: THE ROLE OF WTO JURISPRUDENCE IN HARMONIZING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND CLIMATE CHANGE POLICIES”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (2) OF 2026, PG. 799-810, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/BWQA6722

ABSTRACT

International trade and climate change are among the most pressing issues confronting the global community, with their complex interplay influencing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and international relations. This research paper explores the intricate relationship between these domains, focusing on the pivotal role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in reconciling potentially conflicting agendas. Established in 1995, the WTO has been central to regulating international trade and ensuring fair practices; however, its framework intersects with environmental policies, creating significant challenges.

The primary objectives of this study are to examine the integration of trade and climate policies within the WTO framework, to identify the challenges and conflicts that arise from this intersection, and to explore potential pathways for aligning these policies. The research aims to understand how WTO jurisprudence impacts the harmonization of international trade and climate policies and to provide insights into how these conflicts might be mitigated.

The study reveals that the integration of trade and climate policies presents substantial difficulties. Carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes and emissions trading systems (ETS), often conflict with trade regulations by increasing production costs and impacting global competitiveness. High-profile WTO cases illustrate how environmental measures can be perceived as trade barriers, highlighting the tension between environmental protection and trade liberalization. Additionally, issues such as border carbon adjustments and subsidies for green technologies have shown the need for a nuanced approach that aligns trade rules with environmental objectives.

The research employs a comprehensive analysis of WTO jurisprudence, including a review of landmark cases and an examination of trade and climate policies. It uses qualitative methods to assess how trade regulations intersect with environmental measures and explores both theoretical and practical aspects of policy integration.

The findings underscore the necessity of reconciling trade and climate policies within the WTO framework to promote a more sustainable and equitable global future. Understanding the implications of WTO jurisprudence on these policies is crucial for policymakers, trade negotiators, and environmental advocates. The research highlights the importance of developing coherent and integrated approaches to global trade and climate governance, suggesting that the WTO has a crucial role in guiding this process by clarifying the compatibility of environmental measures with trade rules, facilitating policy dialogue, and supporting innovative solutions.

Keywords:   WTO Jurisprudence, International Trade, Climate Change Policies, Trade and Environment Integration and Sustainable Trade Practices.