Question

Describe the types of resources and consumption patterns that often lead to what's called a Tragedy of the Commons. Provide an example in you description, and include what could be done to address the problem that results in a tragedy. Successful completion of this question requires you to include details about a particular resource, how and why people use it, how and why it's use can be labeled and a tragedy, and what could be done to resolve the problem associated with the tragedy.

Answer 1

The tragedy of the commons occurs when common resources are overexploited, leading to their depletion. One example is the banning of conch harvesting in the United States. Government intervention and cooperation among users of the resource can help address this problem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tragedy of the commons refers to situations where common resources are overexploited due to the unsustainable consumption patterns of individuals or groups. This occurs when individuals have access to a resource without any accountability or restriction, leading to its depletion. One example of this is the harvesting of conch, which led to its scarcity and resulted in the government imposing a ban on its harvesting in the United States.

One way to address the tragedy of the commons is through government intervention. The government can either protect the resource through force or privatize it by putting a price on it. In the case of conch harvesting, the ban imposed by the government was a measure taken to prevent the resource from being further depleted. Another approach, as highlighted by economist Elinor Ostrom, is to foster cooperation and communication among those who benefit from the resource. By working together, they can establish rules and systems that ensure the sustainable use of the resource.