Issues

Earthjustice attorneys have mounted a series of challenges aimed at reversing the present international trend of giving trade priority over environmental protection.

We have challenged actions taken under various trade agreements that threaten precious natural resources in this country and elsewhere, and have defended -- in US courts and international fora such as the World Trade Organization -- the right of governments to limit trade where necessary to protect the environment or human health.

We have also used US and international trade laws to protect the environment. For example, we have used the environmental side agreement to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to draw attention to the failure of governments to enforce environmental laws fully and effectively.

Because international legal processes are less familiar to most lawyers and other people, we are providing below a number of resources for those interested in learning more about how to use international law to defend the environment and human health in light of threats from international trade. Included are sample submissions from citizens in international trade and investment disputes, briefs in cases seeking access to documents and government decision-making processes, and reports and articles on issues of trade and the environment.

   Reports & articles about trade & the environment

   Legal resources about trade & the environment