Trade-Related Measures to Spread Low-Carbon Technologies

doi:10.1017/9781108878739.005

2 - Trade-Related Measures to Spread Low-Carbon Technologies

A Common Concern–Based Approach

from Part II - Case Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 May 2021

Zaker Ahmad

Edited by

Thomas Cottier

Edited in association with

Zaker Ahmad

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Thomas Cottier: Affiliation:
World Trade Institute
Zaker Ahmad: Affiliation:
World Trade Institute

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Summary

Climate change is a well-recognized common concern of humankind. On that basis, this chapter explores the implications of the Common Concern doctrine upon climate motivated rulemaking and implementation in the trade regime. The particular aspect of the climate change problem dealt with here is that of low-carbon technology diffusion. It is proposed that based on this doctrine, the prevalent narrative of trade and technology diffusion issues be reframed in a way that prioritizes the need for resolving existing market failures preventing new technologies from being adopted, especially those of high price, absence of incentives and lack of financing options. Going further, the chapter then closely analyses two potential trade measures – (i) carbon pricing with cross-border recycling of revenue for technology support, and (ii) better rates of official export credit support for low-carbon technologies. It is found that the doctrine of Common Concern, apart from being an excellent normative framing device, can aid better understanding of the WTO rules, and also inspire reforms thereof to facilitate diffusion of clean technologies.

Keywords

Common Concern climate technology low-carbon technology technology transfer market failure global public goods carbon pricing export credit technology transfer trade and climate change

Type: Chapter
Information: The Prospects of Common Concern of Humankind in International Law , pp. 95 - 152

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108878739.005 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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