WTO와 교토의정서에 조화가능성 검토

Harmonization Between the WTO and Kyoto Protocol

While trade measures for environmental protection accepted by Multilateral Environmental Agreements(MEAs) would be an efficient means in implementing environmental policy, these environmental measures might be at risk of being ruled against the WTO principles of nondiscrimination, and thus, no longer acceptable under the current WTO mechanism. Developed countries, under Kyoto protocol, are required to limit greenhouse gas emissions progressively, for which their economic structures are to be transferred into more environment-friendly ones. Although Kyoto Protocol does not provide explicitly the trade-related environmental measures that ar assumed to be inconsistent with WTO principles, it has the potential to impact the international trade in general goods and services. Considering the fact that the WTO Dispute Settlement Body has provided the most effective forum for treating the tensions between trade and environment due to its compulsory and binding character, the WTO is required to be equipped with clearer and more-specified principles and more functional dispute settlement system for harmonization between the promotion of free trade and environmental protection.