the global commons

• Global commons


  Resources that are shared by all nations but are not owned or controlled by any single nation.
• What are the 4 global commons

  -Antarctica

  -high seas

  -atmosphere

  -outer space
• Laws covering Outer space

  Moon treaty that ensure peaceful exploration of space
• Laws covering the High seas

  Regulated by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, covering fishing practices, marine pollution, and scientific research.
• Laws covering the Atmosphere

  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions.
• Laws covering Antarctica

  Governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which prohibits military activity, nuclear testing, and resource extraction.
• The tragedy of the commons

  The decline of common resources, such as ocean fish stocks, when the rate of use exceeds the rate of natural replacement and regeneration.
• Common shared resources


  Resources that are accessible to all, often requiring collective management to prevent overuse.
• Principle of common heritage

  Establishes that some localities belong to all humanity and that the resources are available for everyone's use and benefit, taking into account future generations and the needs of developing countries.
• Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ's)

  Zones extending territorial water zones to 200 nautical miles from the coast, where coastal nations have sole exploitation rights over resources, including fishing and minerals.
• Environmental pressure groups


  Organizations that advocate for environmental protection and sustainability, often through activism and public campaigns.
• Extinction Rebellion


  An environmental pressure group advocating for action on climate change through nonviolent civil disobedience.
• UK Student Climate Network (UKSCN)

  A network formed to organize climate strikes in the UK, inspired by the global youth climate movement.
• Vocal campaigners


  Activists and organizations that are increasingly speaking out and advocating for stronger climate action.
• Citizen-led protests


  Grassroots movements initiated by citizens to demand government action on pressing issues, such as climate change.
• Climate emergency


  A situation in which urgent action is required to reduce or halt climate change and avoid potentially irreversible environmental damage.
• Sustainable development


  Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Climate Change Agreements


  International accords aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts.
• COP 29


  An international climate summit where key outcomes and agreements regarding climate change were discussed.
• COP 27 result


  Agreed for wealthier nations to give money o poorer nations to help them with their progress towards meeting the 2 degrees target
• When was the Paris agreement

  2015
• Paris Agreement


  An international treaty that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
• Has the Paris agreement been effective

  Yes - 200 countries signed up to make a difference

  
  

  Agreed to decarbonise their power sector and switching to renewables, and lowering emissions from industries piling and transport to levels aligned with the 2 degrees target
• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

  An agreement defining rights and responsibilities of nations in using the world's oceans, signed by 157 countries in 1994.
• When was the Montreal Protocol?

  1987
• Montreal Protocol


  An international treaty aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer, significant for its success in environmental governance.
• Environment and Climate Emergency - UK

  A declaration made by the UK government in 2019 due to pressure from citizens and various groups, acknowledging the urgent need for a response to climate issues.
• Importance of laws and treaties

  Essential for preserving global commons as they provide frameworks for cooperation and accountability among nations.
• What are the commons at risk from

  - increasing population

  - pollution - waste, air

  - climate change

  - over exploitation
• Benefits of having the global commons

  - encourages collaboration between nations

  - enables access to the resources

  - Ensures they can be maintained sustainably