Global Value Chain Policy Series: Environment
This paper examines two questions that arise at the intersection of environmental sustainability and global value chains. The first relates to trade and other barriers to the smooth functioning of environmental goods and services value chains. The development, production and distribution of these products are vital for a sustainable, low-carbon future, but differences over definitions, protectionism and regulatory uncertainty pose challenges. The second question relates to how value-chain actors can be encouraged to improve sustainability outcomes throughout the value chain, particularly through sustainability standards and public-private initiatives.
This paper examines two questions that arise at the intersection of environmental sustainability and global value chains. The first relates to trade and other barriers to the smooth functioning of environmental goods and services value chains. The development, production and distribution of these products are vital for a sustainable, low-carbon future, but differences over definitions, protectionism and regulatory uncertainty pose challenges. The second question relates to how value-chain actors can be encouraged to improve sustainability outcomes throughout the value chain, particularly through sustainability standards and public-private initiatives.
This paper is part of the Global Value Chain Policy Series.