Trade And Environment In A North American Free Trade Agreement

'Free Trade and the Environment' examines the impact of international economic integration on the environment, taking as a case study the experience of Mexico, as it transformed itself from one of the most closed economies in the world to one of the mostopen.

This title was first published in 2002: Focusing on the central issues of the contemporary trade-environment-social cohesion debate, this compelling book analyzes the social and environmental impacts of existing trade liberalization through the World Trade Organization (WTO), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other key regimes. It also explores new strategies for regulation and risk assessment, environmental information, standard setting, voluntary activities, sustainability assessments of trade agreements, and participation by civil society. Features include: -suggests ways in which the NAFTA model might be improved -explores the NAFTA regime with regards to its environmental and social impacts -evaluates the experience and improvement of NAFTA and how it might assist the broader international community Characterized by its meticulous scholarship and fluid style, this authoritative work is an indispensable guide for all those concerned with trade liberalization, environmental enhancement and social cohesion.

This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social, cultural and political dimensions of the evolving trilateral relationship among the three countries of North America. Contributors address such topics as energy, the environment, trade, labour, the maquiladora industrial sector of Mexico, the Mexican auto industry, and Canada - U.S. cultural relations.While other publications have focused on U.S. issues, this one emphasizes Canada and Mexico, yet adds significantly to our understanding of the place of the United States in this evolving trilateral relationship.