The global commons are Earth’s interconnected systems — like the ocean, climate, rainforests, freshwater, and nutrient cycles — that keep the planet stable and make a just world possible.
Science from the Earth Commission has identified the elements of the Earth system that are critical, and the boundaries that we must stay within, to ensure a world that is both safe (biophysically stable) and just (minimizing harm to people and ensuring basic standards for all).
Yet, we’ve already breached most of the Safe and Just Boundaries and risk crossing irreversible tipping points in climate and nature that will destabilize the global commons with devastating consequences for life on Earth.
The world needs systemic change so that people everywhere can prosper and thrive.
But governance gaps, systemic injustice, lack of ambition, geopolitical conflicts, and the politicization of environmental and social agendas are all blocking meaningful change.
At the heart of these challenges is a deeper issue: the systems-change ecosystem itself — partners and allies across civil society, philanthropy, business, media, and public institutions — is fragmented, misaligned, and underpowered.
That is why the Global Commons Alliance is bringing together civil society, philanthropy, business networks, and science around a shared mission: to safeguard and restore Earth’s life-support systems, equitably, now.
Our vision
Read more about what we’re doing to safeguard the global commons for a just world, on a safe planet.