Global Commons

Question 1

What is the tragedy of the commons?

Answer 1

All individuals work independently and according to their own self interests, as a result resources are over-exploited and depleted and negative consequences for the group as a whole.

For example…

• Freedom of the seas and resultant over-fishing
• Global atmospheric pollution

Question 2

What are the 6 conventions and treaties to protect the global commons?

Answer 2

• UNCLOS - United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
• UNEP - United Nations Environmental Programme
• UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (Kyoto protocol / Paris Agreement)
• ATS - (Antarctic Treaty system
• PEP - Protocol on Environmental Protection
• Moon treaty 1979.

Question 3

What are the key terms in the Antarctic case?

Answer 3

Antarctic circle
Nunataks
Ice shelves
Ice sheets
Isolated depression
Antarctic Convergence Zone
Antarctic Circumpolar current
Antarctic Divergence
Krill/phytoplankton

Question 4

What are the Ice shelved and ice sheets in Antarctica?

Answer 4

Ross ice shelves
Ronne ice shelves
Amery ice shelves
West antarctic ice sheet

Question 5

What are the seas found in Antarctica?

Answer 5

Southern sea
Weddell sea
Amundsen
Davis
Bellingshausen
Ross
King Haakon VII sea

Question 6

What are the other sectors in Antarctica?

Answer 6

Transantarctic Mountains
Ellsworth mountains
Regions: west/east
Peninsula: antarctic
Antarctic circle - 66
Antarctic convergence zone
Antarctic divergence
Antarctic circumpolar current

Question 7

Antarctica’s climate?

Answer 7

• Average temperature + -49C
• Mean annual wind speed of 50mph due to convergent katabatic winds
• Low mean annual precipitation (under 50mm per year)
• Polar desert

Question 8

What are katabatic winds?

Answer 8

Downslope winds from high elevations due to pressure and gravity.

Question 9

Paris Agreement (2015)

Answer 9

• Carbon emissions reduction target - hold global temperature rises to a maximum 1.5C
• Aim to reduce net emissions to 0 by 2100
• Green climate fund
• Track progress (can update/strengthen pledges every 5 years)
• Voluntary system of pledges (INDCs - intended Nationally Determined Contributions)

Question 10

What are the 4 factors stressed in the global commons?

Answer 10

1. High seas
2. Atmosphere
3. Antarctica
4. Outer space

Question 11

What are the 4 factors stressed in the category common heritage of mankind?

Answer 11

1. Biodiversity
2. Cyberspace
3. Heritage
4. Peace