The continent nobody owns & everyone benefits from (Summer School)

Antarctica functions as a critical global economic asset, providing climate-regulating services—such as carbon absorption and solar reflection—valued at approximately $180 billion annually, despite lacking traditional markets or private ownership. Economics extends beyond commerce, as evidenced by diverse global strategies for managing resources and public needs. Tokyo curbs traffic congestion by mandating proof of off-street parking before vehicle registration, while Vienna utilizes extensive social housing to regulate private market rents. Additionally, Brazil’s *consorcios* offer a community-based, self-financing alternative to high-interest bank loans, allowing participants to pool funds for major purchases. These examples demonstrate how varied economic frameworks address scarcity and improve societal outcomes, reinforcing the principle that prosperity arises from diverse, incentive-driven systems designed to maximize collective benefit.