The Global Commons

• Main Author: Nine, Cara
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Oxford University Press 2022
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198833628.003.0013

This chapter applies the book’s theory of use-rights to resource domains that are sometimes argued to be part of the “global commons”. It resists the claim that any resource—regardless of its legal status—of vital global importance ought to be under global control. In addition, it contends that the designation of a resource domain as a global commons does not morally prohibit its private acquisition. The chapter concludes that parts of Antarctica can be legitimately acquired and that forest carbon sinks should not be brought under global control. Finally, it argues that territory and property rights to the Antarctic ice and to forest carbon sinks are constrained by the basic needs and sustainability provisos. In the case of forest carbon sinks, humanity must, where they can, compensate the territorial rights-holders for the costs of complying with this use-right to provide for humanity’s basic needs.