Alliance to evolve for new era of global commons stewardship
04/11/2025
Today’s social, economic, and political environment requires a holistic Alliance to drive systems change through collective intelligence that addresses the root-causes of our escalating ecological and climate crises, and delivers across earth system domains.
That’s why the Global Commons Alliance is reshaping its membership structure to deepen relationships with partners and enable stronger, more effective collaboration toward a just world on a safe planet.
This evolution will allow members to play a greater role in setting the Alliance’s strategic direction and to collaborate more deeply across four high-priority areas: science, culture, governance, and economy.
A secretariat will support members by facilitating partnerships, boosting collaboration, and enabling shared learning — better positioning the Alliance to drive positive change in an increasingly complex and fast-shifting global landscape.
Margarita Astralaga, Chair of the Global Commons Alliance, said: “The evolution of the Global Commons Alliance reflects our core belief that no single organization can solve the crises we face alone. Only collective action, rooted in science and solidarity, will safeguard our global commons. Despite society feeling divided, we all share something in common — the absolute necessity for a just world, on a safe planet.”
The strengthened Global Commons Alliance will accelerate systemic transformation through the following levers of change:
1. Synthesize & Translate the Safe and Just Science
Make complex scientific concepts like the ‘Safe and Just’ boundaries accessible and operational for lay audiences, and build broad “commons literacy”.
2. Build a Powerful Commons Narrative & Cultural Shift
Make global commons governance an aspirational norm that we all share responsibility for — like democracy or human rights.
3. Establish New Governance, Policy & Legal Frameworks
Integrate safe and just boundaries and Earth System Justice into policy and governance at every level — from local to global.
4. Change Economic & Financial Systems and Incentives
Align economic interests with global commons governance.
For the past six years the Alliance has brought together a wide range of partners to develop groundbreaking science, targets, accountability, data insights and storytelling. Most of this work was done under the umbrellas of five central components — the Earth Commission, Science Based Target Network, the Accountability Accelerator, Systems Change Lab and Earth HQ. Each of these entities is now well established in its own right, playing a critical role in protecting and restoring our global commons. They will remain key members of the Alliance as we move into this next chapter.
Natasha Matic, Executive Director of the Accountability Accelerator, said: “We’re delighted to welcome in this new era of collaboration with the Global Commons Alliance. Corporate accountability is a powerful lever we can pull to halt the destruction of nature and, with fellow members and partners at the Alliance and across the global accountability ecosystem, we look forward to stepping up our collective efforts to build stronger systems, fairer outcomes and a thriving nature-positive economy.”
Tim Kelly, Executive Director of Earth HQ, said: “The Global Commons Alliance is entering an exciting new chapter — one that recognizes that safeguarding the planet’s life-support systems requires not only science and policy, but also a shift in culture and consciousness. At Earth HQ, we’ve seen how powerful storytelling, creative media, and cultural engagement can mobilize people everywhere to care, connect, and act. We’re proud to be part of this evolving Alliance, collaborating across disciplines to inspire stewardship of the global commons and accelerate the transformations our planet urgently needs.”
As a member of the Global Commons Alliance you can play a critical role in protecting and restoring the global commons for all people, now.
Prospective members are invited to find out more about membership and consider whether they can contribute to and benefit from being part of this growing alliance. If you have questions about becoming a member please feel free to get in touch with Sebastian Schienle our Co-Director – Programs and Partnerships.
