Customs: Global Border Authorities as Pillars in Mitigating Climate Change and Transitioning to Global Green Energy

Abstract

Climate change and environmental threats require the attention of all stakeholders. Customs Authorities, as the primary border authorities of global trade, can be frontline leaders in the development of a “circular economy” and global green-energy transition. The World Customs Organization plays a pivotal role in the universal development of customs frameworks and has prioritized the transition to circular and green economies. The challenge is to balance these priorities with the promotion of global trade and economic growth. This requires reform and innovation to adjust to new and disruptive technologies, specifically, increased involvement in policy formulation, greater investment in human resources expertise, the promotion of tax relief Customs policy in Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and environmentally friendly goods, and more substantive collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector. This policy report explores these challenges, using case studies in the European context and beyond in combination with policy proposals and recommendations. Mitigating climate change is crucial, and, as this paper shows, requires alternative, global, and even “beyond-borders” approaches, so that recurring “statements” and “decrees” can also be mitigated.