The planetary commons: A new paradigm for safeguarding Earth-regulating systems in the Anthropocene
In an article published in January 2024, several prominent Earth system scientists argue for the need for a new global governance regime focused on protecting the resilience of the Earth system. Focusing on so-called “planetary commons”, critical biophysical systems in the planetary boundaries, the authors argue:
“We are confronted by rapidly rising risks of triggering irreversible and increasingly unmanageable Earth system–wide impacts and persistent shifts in life support systems. This requires a new approach to safeguard Earth’s critical biophysical systems that contribute to regulate planetary resilience and livability on Earth. (…) We believe that the planetary commons framework has the potential to initiate the long overdue paradigm shift that we urgently need to safeguard the Earth system as we move deeper into the Anthropocene.” (Rockström et al, 2024)
Today, only a few planetary commons are regulated, such as Antarctica (the Antarctic Treaty System) or climate change (UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement), but the current approach is inadequate in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene.
The article argues that a planetary governance regime should encompass all the critical biophysical systems that regulate the resilience of Planet Earth. However, the authors points to multiple barriers and challenges for establishing a planetary commons regime. One prominent challenge is that planetary commons transcend national boundaries, giving rise to sovereignty and compensation issues.
“Designing planetary commons governance will be controversial and complex. For one, there is the sheer complexity of actors, governance levels, and norms that characterize any governance arrangement”. (Rockström et al, 2024).
However, it is not a hopeless endeavor. As pointed out in the article, the international community has previously successfully managed to govern critical Earth system elements. The adaptation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer from 1987 is one such success.
As scientific knowledge continues to expand on the importance of protecting certain core Earth systems critical for all life on Earth, we also need to reevaluate, adjust, and expand existing global governance accordingly.
The article ”The planetary commons: A new paradigm for safeguarding Earth-regulating systems in the Anthropocene” was published January 22, 2024 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
