The Global Commons Flashcards
(59 cards)
What are the Global Commons?
- The term ‘The Global commons’ refers to the Earth’s shared resources such as the deep oceans, the atmosphere, outer space and Antarctica.
- They are, in theory, free for all to use and are for the common good of humanity.
How much of the Earth’s surface is divided into sovereign states?
Only 1/3
Can the Global Commons be governed?
- The designation of a ‘global commons’ means it could be governed by a global treaty which, in theory, prevents individual states harming it.
(E.g. If individual states or people can’t overuse the global commons, it is sustainable.) - But, it is subject to debate as to what each of a ‘treaty’, ‘free’ and ‘common good’ actually means.
- Some people also define the concept of ‘the commons’ to be even broader to include resources such as the internet, language and science.
Give one key example of a global common that has a distinct physical presence on the planet?
Antarctica
What kind of continent is Antarctica?
The most southern continent
Where is Antarctica located in?
South Pole
What ocean is Antarctica surrounded by?
The southern ocean
What is the size of Antarctica?
Its size is estimated to be 14 million km^2, making it the fifth-largest continent.
How much of the land area of Antarctica is covered in ice?
98% of the land area is covered by ice which averages almost 2km in thickness
What are the only areas of Antarctica are uncovered by ice?
Only the most northern reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula are uncovered by ice
What is Antarctica known to have which stands out amongst all the other continents?
It has the highest average elevation of all the continents.
What does the AC stand for?
The Antarctic Convergence (AC)
What is the AC?
It is a region of faster water current speeds and strong horizontal gradients in density, temperature and salinity.
In terms of climate, what 3 things does Antarctica have which stands out?
Antarctica is known for having the coldest, driest and windiest of all of the Earth’s continents.
What are the mean winter temperatures at coastal stations in Antarctica?
- In winter, monthly mean temperatures at coastal stations are between −10°C and −30°C,
- though temperatures may rise towards 0°C when winter storms bring warm air.
What areas of Antarctica are colder? And give 3 reasons why?
- Temperatures on the high interior plateau are colder
- as a result of its:
- higher elevation
- higher latitude
- greater distance from the ocean.
What are the summer/winter temperatures like on the high interior plateau of Antarctica?
Summer temperatures struggle to get above −20°C and monthly means fall below −60°C in winter.
What is the precipation distribution like in Antarctica?
- The distribution of precipitation over Antarctica is varied
- with heavy snow falling near the coast (200mm)
- but the interior only getting small amounts.
How often can gales occur in Antarctica?
Gales can occur on over 40 days a year
What are the mean speeds of the Gales in Antarctica?
mean speeds can exceed 30 ms^-1 with gusts of over 40 ms^-1.
What is the term of winds that blow down valley sides and valleys?
Strong katabatic winds
What are strong katabatic winds caused by?
- They are caused by the flow of cold air off the central plateau
- which make some coastal sites around Antarctica the windiest places in the world.
What are the 4 threats that Antarctica faces
- Climate change
- Fishing and whaling
- Mining of mineral resources
- Tourism
What does the IPCC stand for?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
