Towards a Principle of Common Concern in Global Law: Foundations and Case Studies

Recognised in the fields of climate change and preservation of biodiversity, common concern has not been sufficiently explored in legal theory and practice so far. Its contours have remained unclear beyond the call for enhanced international cooperation in the production of global public goods. In our view, Common Concern entails three components: homework obligations, international cooperation and, if need be, action with extraterritorial effects in addressing collective action problems and free riding. The workshop seeks to focus on this third and most difficult part of common concern.