International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Shaikh Mohd Mouzam, M Raghavendra Reddy and Khalandar S

abstract
International trade has become a central driver of economic growth in the Global South, yet its environmental consequences remain contested. This review examines the relationship between trade dynamics and environmental degradation, focusing on how export-oriented growth strategies shape ecological outcomes. Three theoretical perspectives frame the discussion: the pollution haven hypothesis, which emphasizes regulatory disparities; ecological unequal exchange, which highlights the transfer of environmental costs to developing regions; and the environmental Kuznets curve, which considers income-related transitions in environmental quality. Empirical evidence from agriculture, mining, and industrial sectors demonstrates that trade liberalization often accelerates deforestation, soil degradation, and pollution, while embedding Southern economies in low-value segments of global value chains. At the same time, opportunities exist to integrate sustainability into trade through technology transfer, green standards, and South–South cooperation. Persistent challenges include weak governance, uneven bargaining power, and limited capacity to manage ecological risks. The review identifies research gaps, such as insufficient attention to informal trade and climate–trade interactions, and underscores the need for harmonized policies linking trade and environmental governance. Aligning economic integration with ecological sustainability is essential to ensure that trade supports both development and environmental resilience in the Global South.