How effective is the dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organisation in relation to environmentally sustainable development?

ABSTRACT:It has been argued that considering environmental protection may limit the WTO role of providing free trade across the globe. Thus, the main reason for establishing the WTO, which is providing free trade, may be affected by environmental concerns. This can be witnessed especially when environmental protection is given priority over free trade. In contrast, it has been argued that there is no conflict between trade and environmental protection. Therefore, this article attempts to investigate these arguments and highlight the effectiveness of the WTO dispute settlement system in relation to environmentally sustainable development.