CETA and the environment: a gold standard for the planet or for big business?

The analysis finds that its provisions do not make it a ‘gold standard’ deal for people and the planet. For CETA to deliver for the environment, improvements are warranted in the following areas:

– the Investment Court System should be removed;

– the environment chapter should be made binding, with meaningful enforcement;

– regulatory cooperation should serve to promote and improve social and environmental policy;

– the Domestic Regulation chapter should be more cognisant of environmental licensing and permitting procedures;

– a Clean Hands Clause should be added to strengthen the parties’ rights to regulate through consumption and export rules;

– CETA should reflect both parties’ commitment to the Paris climate agreement;

– tariff reduction should be differentiated according to environmental characteristics.