Despite government warnings of a severe shortage of heating fuels, most citizens continue to turn up their home thermostats in the belief that their personal fuel consumption will have little effect on the country's total fuel reserves. This reaction best illustrates the dynamics of

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This situation best exemplifies a social trap, which occurs when individuals pursue their own self-interest at the expense of the collective well-being. In this case, individuals are not considering the long-term consequences of their actions, and are instead focused on their immediate personal comfort. Over time, this behavior can lead to a depletion of fuel reserves, which will ultimately harm everyone in the community.

Despite Government Warnings of a Severe Shortage of Heating Fuels