Explain the concept of the 'global commons'. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 2

The concept of the 'global commons' refers to the Earth's shared resources that are critical for all humanity and are often unowned or collectively owned. This includes essential elements such as:

1. Natural Resources: The global commons encompasses vital resources like the deep oceans and atmosphere. These areas are crucial for sustaining life and regulating the Earth's climate.

2. No National Ownership: Certain regions, such as the high seas and outer space, lack a national owner and are meant to be accessible to all. This open access is fundamentally important but also poses risks of overexploitation.

3. Antarctica: The land mass of Antarctica is another example where governance is shared internationally, with agreements aimed to protect its ecological integrity while allowing for scientific research.

4. Cyber Commons: In the digital age, the internet serves as a new frontier of the global commons, with shared resources that require collaborative governance to ensure equitable access and use.

The need for protection of the global commons is paramount due to threats such as environmental degradation and overexploitation, which can lead to irreversible damage. Sustaining these areas is essential for future generations and requires cooperative global governance.