Environmental Impacts Of Trade-Oriented Development Policies

Abstract

This work integrates trade-development theory with trade-pollution theory in attempt to find if certain trade policies can be used for sustainable development. Three trade oriented development policies are analyzed: inward orientation, outward orientation, and trade liberalization. A theoretical model is developed to analyze the effects of scale, composition, and technique. The theoretical model is then tested empirically using a panel regression, cross-section by country and across time. The panel regression uses S0 2 against economic indicators and dummy variables reflecting the theoretical model. The theoretical model proves that trade policies can be manipulated to create an intelligent trade design, which would maximize economic growth and minimize environmental degradation. Empirical tests identify trends in scale and technique that are consistent with the theoretical model. Overall, this work shows that trade-policies can be manipulated to engage in sustainable development and encourages more case-study analysis.

Date of Award	2009
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Teshome Abebe (Supervisor)