Trade and Environment Briefings: International Transport - Policy Brief 5

While international transport – aviation and maritime shipping – is an important facilitator and driver of trade, it also contributes significantly to climate change. The regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international transport would help mitigate climate change, as well as support a green economy transition. Meanwhile, new regulations could potentially lead to higher costs for moving goods and people around the globe. This has implications for trade and equity, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which have a large trade exposure and are situated in remote locations.