ALI Convenes a Discussion on Trade & Climate

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PIcture from climate event 4-26-123 (002).jpg

Attendees:

  • Representative Axne

  • Representative Beyer

  • Representative Schneider

ALI hosted a discussion on Trade & Climate, with Representatives Cindy Axne, Don Beyer, and Brad Schneider, St. Petersburg, Florida Mayor Kriseman, and Washington State Senator Marko Liias, as well as thought leaders from business and civil society. The members discussed the importance of using trade as a vehicle to pursue climate and sustainability. There was a discussion about reviving the Environmental Goods Agreement and expanding it to include environmental services. Congresswoman Axne discussed the important role that sustainable agriculture and innovative carbon practices can play in reducing carbon emissions. Mr. Liias and Mr. Kriseman stressed the need for incentives to assist localities in combatting climate change. There was a discussion regarding the EU’s Green Deal and the need to tackle carbon border pricing, and the importance of reforming the WTO so that it can play a role in the border adjustment debate.  Additionally, the role of China and the Belt and Road Initiative was raised, with specific discussion around how to counter Chinese exports of high-carbon development with low-carbon alternatives. The conversation touched upon many of the difficulties impeding progress on decarbonization while offering potential avenues for government to pursue domestically, and internationally to ensure a more sustainable future.