The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74022

Kevin Danaher, PhD, Global Exchange, 2017 Mission Street, #303, San Francisco, CA 94110, 415-255-7296, kevin@globalexchange.org

This presentation considers how the public can pressure governments to stop the WTO from establishing rules for the planet that subordinate public health, the environment, and democracy to the profit needs of transnational corporations. The WTO has systematically undermined democracy around the world by supporting the "free trade" agenda of multinational corporations above the interests of local communities, working families, and the environment. In the five years of its existence, WTO panels composed of corporate attorneys have ruled that: the US laws protecting sea turtles or dolphins, or promoting clean air standards, were barriers to "free trade"; and that the European Union law banning hormone-treated beef was illegal. According to the WTO, democratically elected public officials no longer have the rights to protect the environment and public health.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will understand how WTO trade rules undermine demcratic processes that protect the environment and the public health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.