Global Commons

World’s biggest polluters are least affected by environmental damage and conflict, new research warns

New research challenges conventional views on the link between environment and conflict, highlighting global inequalities that disproportionately harm countries in the Global South. The study finds that ecological sustainability and peace are not positively correlated, but comprehensively sustainable peace is possible.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis

Researchers propose paradigm shift with "planetary commons" to safeguard earth's critical systems

A groundbreaking research paper advocates for a more expansive framework called the "Planetary Commons" to effectively safeguard the Earth's critical systems. The proposed framework addresses unprecedented pressure on Earth's regulatory systems and proposes transnational cooperation to secure critical functions for the collective good.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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Planetary Commons: Fostering global cooperation to safeguard critical Earth system functions

The Planetary Commons concept aims to establish collective stewardship obligations for nation-states to protect and govern critical biophysical systems. Researchers argue that human activities are pushing the planet beyond its boundaries, requiring a new approach to governance.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

To ensure a safe and just future for people, nature and the planet, Earth System Boundaries must include justice, researchers find

Researchers argue that Earth System Justice is necessary to identify and live within biophysical boundaries. The framework aims to reduce harm to people and nature while ensuring access to resources and minimizing tradeoffs.

SourceFuture Earth·JournalNature Sustainability

Goethe University study: Investors also suffer in unregulated competitions for freely available resources

A new game theory study by Professor Claudius Gros finds that unregulated competition can lead to catastrophic poverty for investors, with profits scaling as 1/N². Cooperation among investors can avoid this damage, resulting in a net profit corresponding to the number of investors.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

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Global distributive justice and systemic transformations key to planetary stability, study finds

A new study finds that achieving access to minimum resources and services for all while safeguarding the Earth system requires redistribution and societal transformations. The research shows that the wealthiest individuals and societies must undergo transformative change to mitigate climate impacts, while the poor are not the primary c...

SourceFuture Earth·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis