enough of the planet’s basic biological and physical systems that prospects for life itself will be radically

compromised.”

If free trade meant the destruction of life itself, then even economists would convert to protectionism! While

globalization—and economic activity of all kinds—can pose environmental dangers, it seems quite possible

that, with the appropriate safeguards in place, we can minimize the environmental impacts of trade. In some

cases, trade may even bring environmental benefits.

In general, high-income countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the

nations of the European Union have relatively strict environmental standards. In contrast, middle- and low-

income countries like Brazil, Nigeria, India, and China have lower environmental standards. The general view

of the governments of such countries is that environmental protection is a luxury: as soon as their people have
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