The House of Commons International Trade Committee has today launched an inquiry on COP26 and international trade.
The inquiry comes as the UK prepares to host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, from 31st October – 12th November 2021.
The Government has identified opportunities to use international trade to further environmental goals through the promotion of ‘green trade’ at the World Trade Organisation. At the same time, there is discussion around the environmental impacts of international trade and how these might be mitigated.
Additionally, the future impacts of climate change may affect international trade by disrupting infrastructure and transport routes, and by bringing about new patterns of trade and production.
The inquiry will consider how international trade and investment are being considered as part of the COP26 agenda, and how the Government’s trade and investment priorities align with its objectives for COP26.
Commenting on the inquiry launch, Angus Brendan MacNeil MP, Chair of the International Trade Committee, said:
“As the host nation for the COP26 climate change conference, the UK has a responsibility to lead from the front on environmental issues.
“The Government has identified opportunities to promote ‘green trade’ on the world stage, but it is not clear how these ambitions will fit with the aims of COP26 and how any environmental impacts of international trade can be mitigated.
“There are also important questions to be asked about the impact climate change could have on global trade. If temperatures continue to rise and our environment continues to change, transport routes could be disrupted and production methods may fail.
“This inquiry will explore how international trade features in the COP26 agenda, how the Government’s trade and investment priorities align with COP26, and what the potential impacts of a changing climate are for international trade.”
The Committee welcomes written evidence on the following questions by 7 September 2021:
- How can international trade and investment contribute to realising the goals of COP26?
- Are international trade and investment likely to feature in the high-level negotiations at COP26?
- What are the possible impacts of climate change on international trade and investment?
- To what extent does the Government’s trade policy align with the objectives of COP26? This includes, but is not limited to, its actions at the WTO, its G7 presidency, and its bilateral and plurilateral trade agenda.
- What discussions, if any, are planned to develop a multilateral approach to carbon pricing systems (including border adjustment mechanisms), green subsidies and investment funds, the curbing of fossil fuel subsidies, a circular economy and sustainable supply chains?
- What impact could an agreement on finance at COP26 have on trends in international investment?
- What engagement has there been between the COP26 Unit and the Department for International Trade on the Government’s agenda for its Presidency?
Click here to access the House of Commons International Trade Committee inquiry on COP26 and International Trade
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