Question

Which one of the following statements is true about Global Commons ?

• A. Global Commons are determined by the United Nations.
• B. Global Commons are outside the sovereign jurisdiction of any one state.
• C. Global Commons have been determined by the Kyoto Protocol.
• D. Global Commons are owned by big powers.

Hint:

Key characteristic of Global Commons: - No sovereign ownership by any single country. - Governed by international treaties (e.g., Antarctic Treaty 1959, Outer Space Treaty 1967, UNCLOS).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: 'Global Commons' or 'Res Communis' refer to resource domains that do not fall under the exclusive sovereignty or jurisdiction of any single national government.

Step 1: Definition of Global Commons.
Global commons are areas and resources that belong to all humanity and require common governance and international cooperation for their protection and management.

Step 2: Examples and Governance.
Examples include the Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor (high seas), and outer space. Because no single country owns them, they are defined by being outside the sovereign territorial jurisdiction of any one nation-state.

Step 3: Evaluating Options.
Option (B) precisely defines this fundamental political and environmental characteristic of global commons. Options (A), (C), and (D) are factually incorrect definitions.