What is meant by the ‘global commons’? How are they exploited and polluted?

The ‘Global Commons’ refers to resource domains or areas that lie outside of the political reach of any one nation State.

International law identifies four global commons namely:

• The High Seas
• The Atmosphere
• Antarctica and
• Outer Space

With the advancement of science and technology in recent years it has made access to resources in the Global Commons easier, leading to an increase in activities in these resource domains, some types of which lack effective laws or policies to control and regulate such uses.

For example, Antarctica is facing rapid environmental degradation due to human pressures such as pollution, and the effects of global warming.