The global commons - the oceans, Antarctica, outer space and the atmosphere -are critical to the survival of human kind. Yet, they are, by definition, beyond the control of any government. How, then, can the governments of some 180 or more sovereign states co-operate effectively to protect and sustain the often fragile environment of the commons? This book develops and applies the tools of regime analysis to the question of how the various global commons are, or fail to be, governed effectively. The new edition has been extensively re-written and expanded to take into account recent developments and includes a new conclusion on the connections between global and local commons. Involving the first systematic comparative analysis of governance regimes The Global Commons covers: The Third Law of the Sea Convention, the deep seabed, whaling and marine pollution regimes

Antarctica and the Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection

Outer space regimes for weapons, the operation of satellites and the emerging problem of orbital debris

The global atmosphere, the Montreal Protocol for the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer and the developing climate change regime and the Kyoto ProtocolReviews of the first edition noted that The Global Commons: is an invaluable reference point for students of international resource issues International Affairs is an important book for students of politics, environmental management, international relations and political geography. Geographical Journal should be studied by all those who want to understand the limits to collective action on global environmental problems and is a must for every reading list associated with courseson the society-nature interface. Progress in Human Geography and as a comprehensive and incisive review of much relevant scholarship and case study material, this book should find its way on to core reading lists for environmental management. Area

This new and updated edition is essential for those wanting to understand the limits to collective action on global environmental problems. It develops and applies the tools of regime analysis to the question of how the various global commons are, or fail to be, governed effectively.
Since the publication of the first edition of The Global Commons there have been many developments particularly in the area of climate change and sustainable development e.g. Agenda 21. This new edition has been extensively re-written and expanded to take into account recent developments and includes new conclusions on the connections between global and local commons. Involving the first systematic comparative analysis of governance regimes, the book covers:

• The Third Law of the Sea Convention, the deep seabed, whaling and marine pollution regimes
• Antarctica and the Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection
• Outer space regimes for weapons, the operation of satellites and the emerging problem of orbital debris
• The global atmosphere, the Montreal Protocol for the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer and the developing climate change regime and the Kyoto Protocol.

The first edition received widespread praise eg “a comprehensive and incisive review of much relevant scholarship and case study material” (Area) and “a must for every reading list” (Progress in Human Geography) and this latest volume will also be invaluable for researchers and students of politics, environmental management, international relations and political geography.

Review
“Overall it provides an invaluable and comprehensive overview” (Environmental Politics, Vol 10, No 1, April 2001)