Ecological Unequal Exchange. Evidence from Latin America

This thesis explores Ecologically Unequal Exchange (EUE) in the trade relations between Brazil and the European Union (EU-29) from 2000 to 2022. While trade offers economic benefits, it also incurs significant environmental and social costs. This study integrates environmental flows into trade analysis, utilizing a semi-systematic literature review and Material Flow Accounting (MFA) to assess how Brazil-EU trade reflects EUE characteristics and how regulatory frameworks address these imbalances. Key questions investigate the evidence of EUE in Latin America, the specific traits of Brazil-EU trade, and the regulatory frameworks shaping these interactions. By contextualizing findings within Brazil's historical and policy landscape, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of EUE.The thesis contributes to EUE literature by offering nuanced insights into trade dynamics and methodological challenges. It underscores the need for responsible trade policies to address environmental injustice and promote sustainability in the context of global climate challenges. There is EUE in the flows between Brazil and the EU, in the period 2001-2022.