Global Systems and Global Governance 8

The global commons don't belong to any one country:

Global commons are areas that aren't owned by any one country or organisation; they belong to everybody.

Four global commons:

• Antarctica.
• The high seas - areas of the sea that do not belong to any country. Most are more than 200 miles from land.
• Earth's atmosphere - the gases that surround the Earth and support life.
• Outer space - the moon,the rest of the solar system and beyond.

They are governed by different pieces of international law. 

Environmental NGOs want to protect the commons from exploitation, as they offer unique habitats for wildlife and have a positive impact on environmental systems. They are also valuable for scientific investigation.

The global commons face many pressures:

Many feel they…