Which statement best illustrates the tragedy of the commons?
A) Irrigated cropland can be ruined by salinization.
B) Some levels of pollution are life threatening.
C) Some activities harm the environment, but others do not.
D) A factory pollutes a river as much as the law allows.

Question

Which statement best illustrates the tragedy of the commons? 
A) Irrigated cropland can be ruined by salinization. 
B) Some levels of pollution are life threatening. 
C) Some activities harm the environment, but others do not. 
D) A factory pollutes a river as much as the law allows.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tragedy of the commons refers to a situation where individuals acting in their own self-interests can deplete or ruin a shared resource, even if it is not in their long-term interest to do so. In this case, the factory's polluting behavior is legally allowed, but it is contributing to the degradation of the river and potentially harming the community downstream. Despite being a shared resource, the factory is prioritizing its own profitability over the well-being of the common resource.

Which Statement Best Illustrates the Tragedy of the Commons