Despite the outcomes from COP17 there remains a considerable degree of ambiguity in relation to the relationships between trade and climate change regimes. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly least developed countries (LDCs) and small vulnerable economies (SVEs) need to be prepared to defend their offensive and defensive trade interests related to the new challenges posed by climate change. This approach is necessary so as to ensure that the actions being taken to mitigate climate change by developed countries facilitate rather than hinder existing export diversification strategies.

Jodie Keane