Tragedy of the Commons

How many strategies did Dr Ostrom develop?

8

What are some examples of publically owned resources?

Air Bodies of Water Public lands Oceans Wildlife College-housing Rental cars

In the cattle example why did the farmers graze more and more cattle?

Each farmer gains more personally as they graze more and more animals. The more animals a farmer grazes, the more they gain personally.

T/F Dr Ostrom agreed completely with Hardin and approved his strategies as the most successful.

False

Why is Hardin's tragedy of the commons well known?

Its a simple explanation for a complex idea

What prize was Elinor Ostrom awarded in 2009?

Nobel Prize for Economics

Who did Dr Ostrom focus her study on?

Swiss Cheese Makers

Be able to list two of Dr Ostrom's strategies.

The resource has clearly defined boundaries: the individuals with a right to use the resource are distinct from those who cannot use the resource. The rules created by the group are simple, easy to use, and specific to the local conditions. The rules are adaptable and changeable by a vote of the group.The enforcement of the rules is done by the people affected by them. Penalties for breaking the rules are appropriate and gradually increase with each offense. There is a pre-developed plan to mediate and end conflicts within the group. Governments recognize and support the rights of a group to self-govern. All management activities are aligned to state and federal laws.

T/F If the price of selling or exploiting a resource is high enough, the private owner of that resource may still decide it is worth it

True

Explain the concept of "Tragedy of the Commons"

When nobody owns it, nobody cares for it but everyone tries to exploit it.

Which is more likely to do over fished? a pond that is commonly visited by Conservation agents a pond that is never visited by Conservation agents a pond that is rarely visited by Conservation agents

a pond that is never visited by conservation agents.

How did the swiss cheese farmers locally manage their common pasture?

each farmer could only sell milk from the cows they kept year-round

What were Hardin's two solutions to TOC?

government take over resource and privatization

How can government taking over a resource prevent TOC?

government would own the resource and regulate the resource

What did Dr Ostrom study?

how local control of a resource could prevent the exploitation of that resource.

Personal ownership leads to

personal responsibility

What is commons in terms of TOC?

resource available to all people to use that is not owned by any particular person

What is privatization?

splitting up the resource so the people own a part of it

What is the main issue with government regulated resources?

the chief decision makers are far removed from the public resources they are obligated to defend.