All around the world, the growth and liberalization of international trade is changing the way we live and work. At $6 trillion a year, trade flows and the rules that govern them are a massive force for economic, environmental and social change. International trade is becoming an increasingly important driver of economic development, as it has been expanding at almost twice the pace of total global economic activity for the past 15 years. A growing number of developing countries look to trade and investment as a central part of their strategies for development, and trade considerations are increasingly important in shaping economic policy in all developed countries, too.

The handbook has been developed to highlight the relationship between environment and trade. The primary aim is to foster a broader understanding of these interlinkages to enable governments to develop practical approaches to integrating these policies. It is possible, but by no means automatic, that trade and environmental policies should support each other in achieving their objectives. Close integration of these policies is necessary to maximize the benefits that trade can bring to increase human welfare and economic development more sustainably.

The handbook is aimed mainly at those with some knowledge about trade, environment or development, but not expert on the intersection of the three. It is also a practical reference tool for policy-makers and practitioners. But the target audience is not just government policy-makers; the media and public may also find it useful. The handbook uses clear language and a minimum of jargon to foster a greater understanding by all elements of civil society. This handbook should help us understand how trade can affect the environment, for better and for worse, and how environmental concern can work through the trading system to foster or frustrate development, in both rich and poor countries. It is critical to ensure that trade's potential for growth and development does, in fact, lead to environmentally sustainable development. Broader understanding and awareness of these linkages will then be the foundation on which fair and environmentally sustainable policies and trade flows are built.

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