GG: Global Commons

Question 1

What is the global commons?

Answer 1

The “global commons” refers to resource domains or areas that lie outside the political reach of any one nation state. It describes supra-national spaces in which common shared resources can be found.
International Law recognises four global commons:
1. The high seas
2. The atmosphere
3. Antarctica
4. Outer space
Some commentators would argue that cyberspace has also emerged as a new domain which meets the definition of a global common by being a resource shared by all but not controlled by a single nation. This includes the worldwide web, one of the main drivers of globalisation.

Question 2

What are the principles of common heritage?

Answer 2

• International Law is guided by the principle of the common heritage of mankind. This establishes that some localities belong to all humanity and that the resources there are available for everyone’s use and benefit.
• Historically such resources have been difficult to access but increasing population and greater scarcity of resources is putting increasing pressure on the global commons
• Advances in science and technology are also giving easier access to a range of resources

Question 3

What are some of the profound challenges the world community faces?

Answer 3

• Natural disasters
• water and food security
• climate change
• fossil fuel dependency
• resource consumption
• recession
• wars
• mass migration
• economic inequalities

Question 4

What are the laws for high seas?

Answer 4

• UN convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS)
• UNEP also has some jurisdiction here

Question 5

What are the laws for the Atmosphere?

Answer 5

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; Montreal Protocol, COP21 etc

Question 6

What are some of the laws for Antartica?

Answer 6

• Antarctic Treaty Systems (ATS)
• Madrid Protocol

Question 7

What’s the laws for outer space?

Answer 7

1979 moon treaty

Question 8

What’s the tragedy of the commons?

Answer 8

• This concept explains why shared common access resources of any type are likely to be exploited.
• If individuals act independently and according to their self-interest, this will be contrary to the interests of a whole group because the shared resource will become depleted
• This has happened with global fish stocks which have been overfished leading to depletion, marine pollution and loss of sustainability

Question 9

How is the Global commons being protected?

Answer 9

NGOs like the WWF have called for the global commons to be protected by making sure that any development and use off these areas is sustainable.
—> this requires global cooperation, e.g. stocks of NE Artic cod have increased because the cooperation between Norway and Russia, the 2 countries which fish for it