Sustainability Assessments: Tools for Effective Trade Policy in the Hemisphere
Author(s)
Gallagher, Kevin P.; Blanco, Hernan
Abstract
Sustainability Assessments (SAs) of trade agreements are underutilized tools that could add substantial value to discussions about the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Defined as analyses of the potential social and environmental benefits and costs of proposed trade agreements, SAs are gaining widespread use by governmental and nongovernmental organizations alike. This article presents the current state of SAs in the Americas and proposes the basic elements of a comprehensive SA process.
