A farmer applies pesticides to a crop to save it from insect damage.Although the farmer benefits immediately from using pesticides, other farmers follow suit and the local water system is eventually damaged permanently.This is an example of

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This scenario describes the tragedy of the commons, which occurs when individuals or groups exploit a shared resource (in this case, the local water system) for their own benefit, often at the expense of others or the environment as a whole. The short-term benefits to the farmer (in the form of saved crops) may seem worthwhile, but the long-term consequences can be severe and far-reaching, affecting not just the farmer but also other individuals and ecosystems that rely on the water. The tragedy of the commons is a common problem in resource management and highlights the need for sustainable practices that prioritize the collective good over individual gain.

A Farmer Applies Pesticides to a Crop to Save It