2. Global Commons

♤ The ‘Global Commons’ refers to resource domains or areas that lie outside of the political reach of any one nation State. Thus international law identifies four global commons namely:

o the High Seas;♤ It also established three institutions: the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).2.2.2. Contiguous Zone 2.2.3. Exclusive Economic Zone ♤ In the exclusive economic zone, the coastal State has jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations and structures, marine scientific research and protection and preservation of the marine environment.♤ CLCS is one of the three institutions created by the UNCLOS.♤ It is based in Geneva, Switzerland.♤ The seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction constitute the “Area”. The Convention provides that the Area and its resources are the “common heritage of mankind”.2.2.5.1. International Seabed Authority 2.2.6. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)♤ ITLOS is an independent judicial body established by the UNCLOS to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the Convention.2.2.7. Ocean Garbage Patches: A Case for Multilateral Action ♤ The world's oceans are full of trash, causing "tremendous" negative impacts on coastal life and ecology. Plastic makes up about 80 percent of the ocean trash collected in some areas of the world Ocean Garbage Patches 2.2.7.1. Solutions ♤ There are several solutions offered by UN Environment Programme in a report titled "Marine Litter: A Global Challenge.":o Countries should monitor marine litter using international standards and methodologies.♤ Thus, the issue requires international attention and cooperation to be resolved.o the Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes;governmental or non-governmental entities;2.4. The Antarctica Treaty total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 53.o Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only (Art. I)o Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available (Art. III).2.5. The Arctic Council 2.6. Atmosphere ♤ UNFCCC came into existence in 1992 and has 197 parties. It took effect in 1994.♤ Puts the onus on developed countries to lead the way.♤ The Kyoto Protocol is what “operationalizes” the Convention. It commits industrialized ♤ Sets binding emission reduction targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community in its first commitment period. Overall, these targets add up to an average five per cent emissions reduction compared to 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008 to 2012 (the first commitment period).“common but differentiated responsibility”.o Reporting and verification procedures;o A compliance system.♤ India is the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after the China and the 2.6.2.2. Nationally determined contributions 2.6.2.3. Key terms 2.7. The International Solar Alliance 2.8. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)♤ IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.♤ The Agency is Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE.2.9. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP)2.10. International Energy Agency (IEA)♤ Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide.2.11. Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21)♤ REN21’s goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, policy development and joint action towards a rapid global transition to renewable energy.o Maintaining Credible Minimum Deterrence nuclear technology.♤ It is not a treaty not legally binding.3.2.3. The Australia Group (AG)♤ China is not a member.♤ Aims to prevent the proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology 3.3. The NPT ♤ More countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation and disarmament o nonproliferation,♤ Conferences to review the operation of the Treaty have been held at five-year intervals 3.4. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)♤ 164 countries have ratified the Treaty.♤ Eight States still need to do so: China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt,3.5. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons ♤ Opened for signature in September 2017 and would come into force once 50 countries ratify it.3.6. Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty o highly-enriched uranium (HEU), and 3.7. Disarmament Miscellaneous 3.7.1. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)♤ Formed in 1997, the OPCW is an independent, autonomous international organisation entered into force in 1997. Its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands o providing assistance and protection to States Parties against chemical threats; and 3.8. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)♤ IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.♤ It has 169 member states o Safety and Security;♤ These Summits have achieved tangible improvements in the security of nuclear materials and stronger international institutions that support nuclear security.3.10.2. Four Pillars of Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy 3.10.3. Key UN Steps 3.10.4. Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee 3.10.5. Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism 3.10.6. Key Conventions 3.10.7. Financial Action Task Force (FATF)♤ Its objectives are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.