This book provides a critical perspective on several interconnected themes that relate to the implementation of both domestic and international environmental standards. What are the direct and indirect costs and benefits of these standards? What is the political economy structure that governs their implementation? Do environmental standards affect individuals and economic sectors in different ways? How do environmental standards interact with trade patterns in an ever-globalised world? 

Understanding the multidimensional effects of environmental standards is crucial for the establishment of effective environmental and development policies. The book presents our current state of knowledge for the issues presented, while also drawing policy insights from a WTO project (on phytosanitary standards) the authors undertook in four Sub-Sahara African countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya and Mozambique).