4.4. Global Commons

• Key characteristics of global commons include shared accessibility, non-excludability, and collective responsibility
• The atmosphere is essential for life but is subject to pollution, such as greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion
• The atmosphere is essential for life and subject to pollution, such as greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion
• There is a central global authority to enforce regulations on global commons.

  False
• Which global common is essential for life and subject to pollution such as greenhouse gases?

  Atmosphere
• The oceans are an example of a global common.

  True
• Why are oceans considered vital for ecosystems?

  Vital for trade and ecosystems
• Challenges in managing global commons

  1️⃣ Tragedy of the Commons

  2️⃣ Lack of Enforcement

  3️⃣ Conflicting National Interests

  4️⃣ Free-Rider Problem

  5️⃣ Complexity and Interdependence
• The atmosphere is essential for life but subject to pollution, such as greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion
• The oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface and are vital for trade, transportation, and ecosystems.


  True
• The lack of a central enforcement authority makes compliance with global commons regulations voluntary
• Antarctica is governed by international treaties
• The Tragedy of the Commons occurs when shared resources are exploited for individual gain, leading to depletion or degradation.


  True
• The interdependence of global commons makes their management intricate and requires coordinated strategies.


  True
• Which intergovernmental organization facilitates cooperation and coordinates policies for global commons?

  United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• What are global commons characterized by in terms of ownership and accessibility?

  Shared accessibility
• Global commons are characterized by shared accessibility
• What is the primary goal of managing global commons?

  Sustainability
• Match the global common with its key characteristic:

  Atmosphere ↔️ Subject to pollution

  Oceans ↔️ Vital for trade

  Outer Space ↔️ Used for communication

  Antarctica ↔️ Governed by treaties
• International agreements like UNCLOS are legally-binding treaties
• Overfishing in international waters is an example of the Tragedy of the Commons.


  True
• What are Global Commons defined as?

  Natural resources accessible to all
• What is Antarctica primarily governed by?

  International treaties
• Global commons are owned by individual nations.

  False
• What is the Tragedy of the Commons in global commons management?

  Exploitation for personal gain
• What percentage of the Earth's surface do oceans cover?

  70%
• Which global common is used for communication, observation, and exploration activities?

  Outer Space
• What is required to protect global commons from overexploitation and degradation?

  Collective responsibility
• What problem arises when some countries benefit from others' efforts to manage global commons without contributing their fair share?

  Free-rider problem
• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an example of an international agreement
• Match the international governance approach with its description:

  International Agreements ↔️ Legally-binding treaties that establish rules for global commons

  Intergovernmental Organizations ↔️ Multilateral organizations that coordinate policies

  Multilateral Initiatives ↔️ Voluntary agreements and collaborative efforts
• What does the management of global commons require to ensure sustainability?

  Collective management
• Match the global common with its example:

  Oceans ↔️ Fisheries

  Atmosphere ↔️ Greenhouse gases
• Outer space is an example of a global common.


  True
• International governance is essential for managing global commons due to shared ownership.

  True
• What is one success of global commons governance?

  UNCLOS
• What is required to overcome failures in global commons governance?

  Greater political will
• What is essential for managing global commons effectively given their shared nature and lack of exclusive ownership?

  Cooperation
• The Paris Agreement on climate change is a multilateral initiative aimed at addressing global commons issues.

  True
• Global commons require collective responsibility