Global commons Flashcards
(59 cards)
What are global commons?
Global commons are parts of the Earth that are not owned or managed by any single country but are shared resources that belong to everyone.
Define the principle of the common heritage of mankind.
The principle of the common heritage of mankind is the idea that certain resources are essential for the survival and well-being of all people and should be managed in an equitable and sustainable way for the benefit of everyone.
What are the four global commons identified by international law?
Outer space.
The atmosphere.
The high seas (oceans).
Antarctica.
Define the tragedy of the commons.
The tragedy of the commons occurs when common resources are used in production in an unsustainable way, potentially causing resource depletion or industry collapse.
What is the main reason why global commons need to be protected?
Global commons need to be protected because they are essential for human well-being and require a cooperative approach to management for the benefit of everyone, now and in the future.
What is the role of the United Nations in managing global commons?
The United Nations plays a key role in coordinating global management strategies and facilitating international cooperation for the governance of global commons.
When was the Antarctic treaty signed and by how many countries
The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries whose scientists were active in and around Antarctica
What is the purpose of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)?
The purpose of UNCLOS is to govern the use and management of the high seas. It was adopted in 1982 and agreed by over 160 countries.
What are three benefits of global commons?
Climate regulation.
Economic value (e.g., through tourism and fishing).
Cultural and spiritual significance.
What is the average temperature of Antarctica?
The average temperature of Antarctica is -49 °C.
How much precipitation does antarctica get
less than 50mm per year in the interior.
What is the Antarctic Convergence?
The Antarctic Convergence is the northern boundary of the Antarctic global common.
Why is biological productivity low in Antarctica?
Biological productivity is low in Antarctica due to the cold and dry climate and limited availability of sunlight.
What is the primary source of productivity in the Southern Ocean?
The primary source of productivity in the Southern Ocean is phytoplankton.
What makes Antarctica a vulnerable environment?
Antarctica is vulnerable due to its extreme climate, fragile ecosystems, increasing human activities, and it being one of the fastest warming regions on Earth.
What happened to the Brunt Ice Shelf in January 2023?
In January 2023, an iceberg nearly as big as Greater London broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf.
Why is there growing interest in mining minerals in Antarctica?
There is growing interest in mining minerals in Antarctica due to technological advancements making extraction easier and increased demand from population growth and economic development.
What are the main types of vegetation found in Antarctica?
The main types of vegetation found in Antarctica are mosses and lichens.
Why is overfishing of krill a significant threat to the Antarctic ecosystem?
Overfishing of krill is a significant threat because krill are a primary food source for many species, such as whales, seals, and penguins. Their decline could lead to population declines and the potential extinction of other species.
What countries continue to participate in commercial whaling
Norway and Japan
Why do whale populations take a long time to recover from hunting?
Whale populations take a long time to recover because whales are very slow to reproduce, usually giving birth to only one calf at a time with gestation periods lasting between 9 and 18 months.
What are some of the mineral resources found in Antarctica?
Mineral resources found in Antarctica include coal, iron ore, copper, gold, platinum, and oil reserves under the Southern Ocean.
How many research stations are there in Antarctica?
There are 82 research stations in Antarctica.
What is the albedo effect, and how does it relate to climate change in Antarctica?
The albedo effect refers to the reflection of solar radiation by light-colored surfaces. As glaciers and ice sheets melt in Antarctica, the dark-colored ocean or land surface absorbs more of the sun’s energy, causing more warming and contributing to a positive feedback loop.
