Secret Trade Talks Could Weaken Climate Targets Set in Paris
Secret trade negotiations in Geneva could outlaw public subsidies for renewable energy across the world, undermining climate talks in Paris that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to unions and anti-poverty campaigners.
Oregon Department of Transportation / CC BY 2.0
Secret trade negotiations in Geneva could outlaw public subsidies for renewable energy across the world, undermining climate talks in Paris that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The Guardian economics correspondent Phillip Inman reports:
The Geneva summit involving 22 countries including the US, Mexico, Australia and the 28 EU member states, aim to create a “level playing field”, with the possible consequence that fracking companies could dispute subsidies for solar or wind power.
Unions and anti-poverty campaigners said the implications for developing world economies that want to promote investment in renewable energy would prove disastrous.
According to leaked documents, a draft chapter of the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) would, if adopted, force governments to accept “technological neutrality”. Disputes over subsidies to renewables would be resolved in a tribunal system outside national government control.
“This chapter shall apply measures affecting trade in energy related services, irrespective of the energy source dealt with, technology used, whether the energy source is renewable or non-renewable, and whether the service is supplied onshore or offshore,” says the draft obtained by WikiLeaks.
Read more here.
— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.
TRUTHDIG’S JOURNALISM REMAINS CLEARThe storytellers of chaos tried to manipulate the political and media narrative in 2025, but independent journalism exposed what they tried to hide. When you read Truthdig, you see through the illusion.
Support Independent Journalism.
Health & Wellness
Greenhouse gas and particulate emissions from fires globally may be 70% higher than once believed.
Environment
Across the U.S., levees are getting older while weather is getting more extreme.
Environment
Across the U.S., U.K., Europe and Canada, Donald Trump and his allies worked tirelessly to supercharge climate denial, boost fossil fuels and foment political chaos.
Labor
Each winter, crews climb into the Cascade Range to cut wild silvertip firs, a fragile tradition now imperiled by wildfire, climate change and tightening immigration enforcement.
Editorial Cartoons
Ear to the Ground
Truthdig’s most-read environment stories from 2025.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.