ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the discussions that followed presentations at the Chatham House conference on 'Trade, Investment and the Environment' in October 1998. The opportunity to question a trade minister on environment and development issues was clearly welcomed by many. Better coordination between ministries at the national level is often seen as a key to better integration of trade and environment. The distinction between 'developed' and 'developing' countries has always been a key element of any discussion on the relationship between trade and environment, as such discussions are frequently polarized along 'North–South' lines. During the discussions, one theme concerned the role of multilateral environmental agreements as a driver of industrial innovation. Discussion returned to the debate on whether there should be a Global Environment Organization. An obstacle lies not so much with companies as with a lack of political will to deliver up the sovereignty necessary to create a global environment organization.
