Antarctica

Question 1

What is the global commons?

Answer 1

The ‘Global Commons’ refers to resource domains or areas
that lie outside of the political reach of any one nation
State. Thus international law identifies four global
commons namely: the High Seas; the Atmosphere;
Antarctica; and, Outer Space

Question 2

Who monitors Antarctica?

Answer 2

Parts of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
are dedicated to environmental management of the world’s oceans

The atmosphere by united Nation Framework Convention on Climate
Change (Montreal protocol – depletion of ozone layer)(Kyoto Protocol-
GHG emissions)

Various components of the Antarctic Treaty Systems (ATS) deal with the
environment of the Antarctica.

Outer space – 1979 moon treaty which governs exploration and
exploitation of its resources.