Your Assignment Is To Write A Five-Paragraph Expository Pape

Your Assignment Is To Write A Five Paragraph Expository Paper Topic

Your assignment is to write a five paragraph expository paper. The topic is: one of the few things most economists agree upon is that free trade benefits all parties involved. However, some argue that free trade leads to environmental degradation. Explain why free trade could actually help the environment.

Writing should be based on insights from Chapter 15, if needed. The body of your paper should not exceed 3 pages. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, in APA format, with 1-inch margins on all sides, using font size 12 in Times New Roman or Arial. A cover page and a references page are required, formatted according to APA guidelines. Failure to follow APA format will result in a 10% reduction in your score. The paper should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between free trade and environmental sustainability presents a complex but increasingly important topic in contemporary economic discourse. While conventional wisdom and economic theory largely advocate free trade for its economic benefits, the environmental implications are often scrutinized, with some arguing that free trade exacerbates environmental damage. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that free trade, if implemented with proper regulatory frameworks, can actually promote environmental protection. This essay explores how free trade can contribute positively to the environment, challenging the common perception that it solely leads to environmental degradation.

The fundamental premise of free trade is the reduction of barriers to international commerce, which facilitates the movement of goods, services, and capital across borders. Economically, free trade encourages specialization and comparative advantage, leading to increased efficiency and higher standards of living. However, on an environmental level, free trade can incentivize countries to adopt cleaner practices and innovate greener technologies. When nations compete in the global marketplace, there is a direct incentive to improve environmental standards to attract consumers who are increasingly environmentally conscious. For example, countries exporting environmentally friendly products tend to implement stricter environmental policies to meet the demands of markets that favor sustainable goods. Such market-driven forces naturally promote environmentally responsible practices, which can lead to reduced pollution and conservation of resources.

Furthermore, free trade can foster the dissemination of environmentally sustainable technologies and practices. Technological transfer is a key aspect of international trade, allowing less developed countries access to cleaner, more efficient technologies that they might not have developed independently. For instance, renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines have spread globally partly due to the growth of international trade. As these technologies become accessible, environmental impacts associated with traditional energy sources like fossil fuels diminish. Moreover, free trade agreements often include provisions and regulations aimed at protecting the environment, encouraging countries to comply with international environmental standards. These integrated policies help create a global framework for environmental conservation, leveraging economic cooperation for positive environmental outcomes.

In addition to technological transfer and regulatory frameworks, free trade can indirectly support environmental conservation by boosting economic development. As countries become wealthier through trade, they tend to allocate more resources toward environmental protection. According to the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis, environmental degradation initially increases with economic growth but eventually decreases as income levels rise and societies invest more in sustainable practices and environmental regulation. Increased trade can accelerate this process by generating the economic growth necessary to fund environmental initiatives, establish protected areas, and enforce pollution control measures. For example, countries that engage actively in international trade often have more resources to dedicate to environmental enforcement and research. Therefore, the economic benefits of free trade can create the conditions necessary for long-term environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, while concerns about free trade's potential for environmental harm are valid, evidence indicates that free trade can also serve as a catalyst for environmental improvement. By fostering innovation, facilitating the transfer of green technologies, and promoting economic growth, free trade offers mechanisms to enhance environmental sustainability. Policymakers should focus on integrating environmental standards into trade agreements and promoting sustainable practices globally. When managed correctly, free trade not only benefits economies but can also significantly contribute to the preservation of our planet. Recognizing the dual role of free trade helps foster a more balanced and sustainable approach to international economic relations, ultimately supporting both ecological health and economic prosperity.

References

Agrawal, A. (2018). Environmental standards and trade: Evidence from developing countries. Journal of International Economics, 112, 45-62.

Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2020). The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press.

Dogan, M., & Ozkan, K. (2019). Trade liberalization and environmental quality: Evidence from emerging economies. Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, 21(3), 377-394.

Grossman, G. M., & Krueger, A. B. (1991). Environmental impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement. NBER Working Paper No. 3914.

Rodrik, D. (2018). Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane Economics. Princeton University Press.

Stern, N. (2006). The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press.

Torras, M., & Boyce, J. K. (1998). Income, inequality, and pollution: A reassessment. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 36(3), 231-248.

World Trade Organization. (2019). Trade and environment: Enhancing cooperation. WTO Publications.