We must strengthen trade cooperation to deliver on global climate goals

The authors are eight trade ministers and members of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate. The full list of signatories is below the piece.

As governments and stakeholders gather for COP31 in Antalya, the case for making trade work harder for global climate action has never been stronger.

COP31’s focus on moving from commitments to implementation — including by advancing green industrialisation and strengthening resilience — is one we strongly share.

If we are to translate climate ambition into real-economy transformation, international trade must be part of the solution. Done well, trade can help us decarbonise while boosting competitiveness, driving investment and innovation, and building more resilient and diversified economies.

We are acutely aware that no country can achieve its net zero or adaptation goals alone. Nor can we build competitive and resilient economies without sustainable investment and stronger international cooperation.

As COP31 puts existing climate commitments into action, as trade ministers we can make a difference.

The case for working together

First, we can strengthen international cooperation on trade-related climate measures. As governments are increasingly exploring options to use such measures to achieve their net-zero commitments, cooperation is vital to reduce regulatory fragmentation and costs, and address concerns around competitiveness and fairness.

As trade ministers, we can propose and advance practical solutions in the WTO and other international processes to enhance transparency, coherence and interoperability, while integrating the development dimension.

Second, to keep the Paris temperature goals within reach, we must intensify our cooperative efforts so that trade makes a significant contribution to decarbonisation. We see a great potential for innovative trade partnerships focused on sectoral priorities. From clean power and green hydrogen to sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient food systems, we can turn climate commitments into action.

Trade cooperation can accelerate the development, diffusion and uptake of technologies, goods and services that support climate mitigation and adaptation. This will also help mobilise investment, strengthen and diversify supply chains, and create new opportunities for businesses and workers.

Third, we need to break down the silos between trade, climate, industrial policy and finance. As trade ministers, we have a responsibility to strengthen coordination at home and ensure a whole of government approach on these closely connected policy priorities.

Reaching net zero goals will require faster, scaled up efforts to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, in favour of low- carbon, clean technologies, goods and services. It also means creating the conditions for businesses to invest, innovate and compete in the growing markets for such technologies.

Open, predictable and fair trade can help countries and communities adapt to recurring climate disasters and slow-onset climate change while building greater economic and climate resilience.

Geopolitics cannot be an excuse for inaction

This is a difficult juncture for global trade. Geopolitical uncertainty, growing fragmentation and concerns about economic security are reshaping the environment in which our businesses trade and invest. But this should not be an excuse for inaction. We need pragmatic cooperation on trade and climate that addresses today’s challenges while building longer-term solutions.

As proud members of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate, we see first-hand the value of bringing trade ministers together to advance practical and inclusive cooperation on trade and climate.

It is a unique venue for much-needed high-level political dialogue on how trade and trade policies can support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, while advancing sustainable development. The coalition’s strength lies in its diversity, bringing together economies from all regions and at different levels of development, climate vulnerabilities, and trade circumstances.

Over the year ahead, we will continue to work with our counterparts in the coalition and trade ministers around the world interested in engagement on the nexus of trade, climate and sustainable development.

Our task is to show that climate ambition, open and fair trade, and competitiveness can reinforce one another. Our message is clear: let us work together to ensure that trade contributes meaningfully to more competitive and resilient economies, climate action, and shared prosperity.

Christopher P. Sinckler, Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados

Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, European Union

Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, The Gambia

Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iceland

Han-Koo Yeo, Minister for Trade, Republic of Korea

Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway

Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, Singapore

Lord Sarwar, Minister for Trade, United Kingdom

The post We must strengthen trade cooperation to deliver on global climate goals appeared first on Climate Home News.

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