The Common Space: Our Shared Responsibility for a Livable Planet

 Dean Muller, President,

In a society deeply rooted in the concept of individual property rights, it can be challenging to grasp the idea of a shared space – a “common” that belongs to none of us individually yet is the collective responsibility of us all. This common space encompasses the very air we breathe, the water that sustains us, and the overall health and well-being of our communities and the planet. While we meticulously tend to our private domains, a significant blind spot often emerges when it comes to our shared environment, leading to neglect and, in some cases, deliberate exploitation.

This shared space is not merely an abstract concept; it is the foundation upon which all life thrives. The clean air that fills our lungs, the potable water that flows from our taps, and the biodiverse ecosystems that regulate our climate are not commodities to be owned, but rather essential elements of our collective inheritance. Both individuals and corporations bear an inherent responsibility for safeguarding these commons, a responsibility that extends far beyond the boundaries of personal property lines.

Consider the simple act of disposing of trash. While most of us would never dream of littering our own homes, the inclination to discard waste in public spaces, or even "someone else's property" (which, in a broader sense, is often part of the commons), reveals a disconnect in our understanding of shared ownership. The truth is, a dirty common space impacts us all. It degrades our quality of life, poses health risks, and diminishes the beauty of our surroundings. The responsibility to "pick up after ourselves" extends to every facet of our interaction with the environment, from conscious consumption to proper waste management.

However, the challenges to our common space extend far beyond individual littering. The industrial era, and particularly the fossil fuel industry, presents a stark example of how this shared heritage has been profoundly violated. For decades, the extraction and burning of fossil fuels have unleashed vast quantities of pollutants into our atmosphere and waterways, fundamentally altering the delicate balance of our planet's systems. From acid rain and smog to rising global temperatures and ocean acidification, the consequences of this industry's activities are undeniable and far-reaching.

What is particularly insidious is the growing evidence suggesting that the long-term environmental consequences of their operations were not unforeseen. Reports and internal documents indicate that the fossil fuel industry was aware of the potential for climate change and other ecological damage decades ago yet actively worked to obscure this information and impede efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. In essence, they prioritized profit over the health of our shared common space, leaving present and future generations to bear the immense burden of cleaning up their neglect. This was not an accidental oversight; for many, it appears to have been a calculated plan to externalize the costs of their business into the public and the environment.

Acknowledging this historical neglect is crucial. It highlights the urgent need for accountability and a fundamental shift in how we approach our shared responsibilities. While individuals must take responsibility for their role in daily environmental stewardship, corporations, particularly those with a significant ecological footprint, must be held to a higher standard. This includes not only adhering to stricter regulations but also actively investing in sustainable practices, mitigating past damages, and contributing equitably to the transition towards a truly sustainable future.

The common space – the air, water, and collective health of all citizens – is a precious and indispensable resource. It is the foundation of our existence and the inheritance of future generations. Recognizing its shared ownership and embracing our collective responsibility, both as individuals and as a society, is not merely an environmental imperative, but a fundamental requirement for a just, healthy, and livable planet for all.