What if the Atlas shrugs: The impact of the rights of nature on foreign trade

Ecuador became the first country in the world to acknowledge the rights of nature in the constitution. However, Ecuador is dependent on the revenue generated by the export of (crude) oil. The regions where the oil deposits are located are found in fragile ecological environments, the Amazon rain forest for example. These regions are also home to many indigenous communities. These communities belong to the poorest section of Ecuadorean society, and the communities are also the first to be negatively affected by the exploitation of the oil fields. This essay strives to explain the effects of constitutional rights of nature on the economic position of the country. Environmental, and ecological challenges have risen to prominence in recent years. A majority of countries have signed the Paris Climate Accord in 2016. Ecuador was the first country to enshrine the rights of nature in the constitution. Other countries might follow and therefore research is needed to learn from the Ecuadorean...Show moreEcuador became the first country in the world to acknowledge the rights of nature in the constitution. However, Ecuador is dependent on the revenue generated by the export of (crude) oil. The regions where the oil deposits are located are found in fragile ecological environments, the Amazon rain forest for example. These regions are also home to many indigenous communities. These communities belong to the poorest section of Ecuadorean society, and the communities are also the first to be negatively affected by the exploitation of the oil fields. This essay strives to explain the effects of constitutional rights of nature on the economic position of the country. Environmental, and ecological challenges have risen to prominence in recent years. A majority of countries have signed the Paris Climate Accord in 2016. Ecuador was the first country to enshrine the rights of nature in the constitution. Other countries might follow and therefore research is needed to learn from the Ecuadorean experience. A special focus must lie on the trade position of developing countries when developing ecological policies, or rights of nature. Because trade is needed to develop and might clash with the intention of nature conservation.Show less

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What if the Atlas shrugs: The impact of the rights of nature on foreign trade