Global Commons MOCK Flashcards
What is globalisation showing?
That countries and regions are more connected and dependant on each other than ever before
Why have systems evolved?
To support the increased economic, political and environment interdependence that exists in the contemporary world
Who has created these ‘global systems’ ?
Various groups such as the UN
What are global commons?
Areas not controlled by a single country but instead all nations
What are the 4 global commons?
High seas
Outer space
Antarctica
Atmosphere
Who makes the international laws that regulate these global systems?
The UN
Who controls the High Seas?
UNCLOS
What are the high seas?
Areas of ocean outside the control of nations
What is the high seas law based of ?
Freedom of the seas
What does the freedom of the seas suggest?
That no single nation can claim the areas beyond their coastlines
What does UNCLOS restrict access to?
Sea-bed resources such as metallic materials
How do countries gain access to sea-bed resources?
Have to pay which then is distributed to countries with no access to high sea resources
Who governs the atmosphere?
UNFCCC
Name one agreement which helps the atmosphere?
Paris Climate Accord
What do the agreements restrict? e.g Paris
Carbon emissions to the atmosphere
Who regulates Antarctica?
ATS = Antarctic Treaty System
When was the ATS introduced?
1961
How many countries signed the ATS?
53 countries
How many agreements are there?
14
Name some of the agreements set for ATS?
Ban on military and nuclear testing
Freedom of scientific research - can’t claim resources
When does the ATS group meet and why?
Annually and discusses territory issues
What is an agreement that protects Antarctica?
Madrid Protocol
What is the Madrid Protocol?
Designates Antarctica as a natural reserve
Prohibits mining exploration
Requires all waste to be returned to country of origin
What is an example of a non-UN agreement?
International Whaling Commission - IWC
How does the idea of the tragedy of the commons affect people?
If a nation overexploits a resource, can have negative impacts
What is an example of a nation overexploiting?
Overfishing of cod in the Atlantic
Why was the overfishing a problem for people?
Population virtually wiped out and jobs were lost in the fishing industry
Why can the exploitation be considered a failure for UNCLOS?
UNCLOS doesn’t prevent fishing in the high seas outside national control so this is why it occurred
What does the Paris Climate Accord aim to do?
Reduce the effects of climate change
How does the Paris agreement impact people negatively?
Can be argued that people in the fossil fuel industry lose their jobs
How can the growth in renewable energy be a positive thing?
Can potentially offset some of these job losses
How can UNCLOS regulating sea-bed resources and countries getting money if not signed benefit them?
They get money which can improve the lives of people in that country
Why may the regulations of mining the sea floor have direct impacts on the growth of renewable energy?
Can impact availability on the metals that are used to build renewable energy products
How can the tourism side of Antarctica be affected and how can this impact people negatively?
Treaties limit tourism and this can mean restrictions to travel and the opportunities to view Antarctica can be negative for some people
With the restrictions, how can this impact people positively?
Means that the area can be preserved so future generations can visit
How does the IWC ban on whaling positively impact people?
Future generations get to experience them
