NET ZERO EMISSIONS AND FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS: EFFORTS AT INTEGRATING CLIMATE GOALS BY THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA

Abstract The negotiation of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia and United Kingdom promised to integrate climate policies. As a leader Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference in Glasgow, UK seemed well-placed exert pressure Australia, country that was yet embrace target net zero emissions by 2050. This article asks whether FTA achieves this aim. It explains link liberalisation change, referring scale composition economic activity drawing upon examples from energy, agriculture, building transportation sectors, as well strategic factors. provides an original analytical framework assess FTA's contributions change goals, pointing to: (1) provisions strengthen commitments, including targets; (2) facilitate investment climate-related areas; (3) relating enforcement cooperation. compares selected initiatives other FTAs, Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), European Union–Canada Economic Trade (CETA), UK–New Zealand Singapore–Australia Green Economy Agreement. reviews negotiating process its aftermath, complaints about public participation. article's conclusion makes minimal contribution mitigation has implications broader quest mutually supportive policies, and, now been legislated newly elected Australian Parliament, future implementation.