What are the global commons? Our new explainer video has the answer
22/04/2026
This Earth Day, we’re posing a question that might seem simple – but whose answer could change how you see the world: do you know what the global commons are?
These vast, interconnected systems – from the rainforests that regulate our climate, to the freshwater networks that sustain communities and ecosystems across every continent – underpin every aspect of life on Earth. And yet despite their fundamental importance, the concept of the global commons remains surprisingly unknown to most people.
That’s exactly what we’re setting out to change.
This week, we launched the first in a new series of explainer videos: a clear and compelling introduction to the global commons and why they matter. Made with our members and partners, the series is designed to demystify the science, frameworks, and systems-change thinking that sit at the heart of our mission – and to make planetary stewardship feel as urgent and accessible as it truly is.
This first film features stunning footage from Open Planet, bringing to life the extraordinary shared systems we all depend on. Whether you’re already engaged with these issues or encountering this concept for the first time, the video is designed to inform, inspire, and spark conversation.
Over the coming months, we’ll be releasing further videos in the series – each one peeling back another layer of the interconnected challenge of safeguarding our global commons.
Watch the video below, on YouTube or Linkedin, and please share it with your networks. The more people who understand the global commons, the stronger the foundation for collaboration to build a just world on a safe planet.
Thanks to the Earth Commission and Somewhat Greener for input into the script and for the beautiful footage from Open Planet.
Credits
- Narrative support from Joy van Breda and Elise van Breda, Somewhat Greener
- Footage is from Open Planet – images are freely available at OpenPlanet.org
- Narration: Lisa Jacobson, Future Earth and Earth Commission
- Music: Traveling Around The World by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/ Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com/
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en
