The __________ occurs when individuals exploit a limited shared resource and contribute to its depletion knowing that there will be a detrimental impact in the long term.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tragedy of the commons is a situation where individuals or groups exploit a shared resource, such as land, water, or air, for their own benefit, without considering the potential long-term detrimental effects on the resource or the wider community. It is called a "tragedy" because although the individuals' actions may be rational and beneficial in the short term, when taken collectively, they can lead to the depletion or destruction of the resource, posing a threat to future generations. This concept was first proposed by biologist Garrett Hardin in 1968.

The __________ Occurs When Individuals Exploit a Limited Shared Resource