n this paper, we investigate the impact of regional trading arrangements (RTAs) on the environment. We propose an empirical model where RTAs, trade, growth and environmental quality are interrelated. As a result, an RTA in our model can impact the environment either directly or indirectly via trade and income. We find that membership in an RTA reduces the amount of environmental damage by increasing the volume of trade and raising per capita income. We do not, however, find that RTAs directly impact the environment. Taken together, our results suggest that the recent surge of regional trading arrangements will not increase the amount of pollution, but in fact may help the environment.
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Find related papers by JEL classification: F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies O47 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Measurement of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounting
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