Final answer:
Overfishing in the ocean is an example of the tragedy of the commons, where the absence of sustainable practices leads to the depletion of shared resources. It is similar to how countries' actions contribute to global climate change by treating the atmosphere as a commons, leading to long-term environmental damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tragedy of the commons is an economic principle that describes a situation where shared resources are over-exploited because individuals act according to their self-interest and disregard the well-being of the whole group or community. Among the options provided, overfishing in the ocean is an example of the tragedy of the commons, where public use without accountability has led to the depletion of fish populations. Due to the absence of regulatory mechanisms or enforcement of sustainable practices, individual fishermen or countries may catch as many fish as possible to maximize their profits, which leads to an unsustainable reduction in the fish population.
Another relevant example can be seen in global climate change, where the atmosphere is treated as a commons. Countries may emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, seeking immediate economic benefits, without considering the long-term detrimental effects on the global climate. This represents a collective action problem and poses serious threats to global health and welfare.