Biology Week 1: Tragedy of the Commons

Tragedy of the Commons Examples

Boston commons in 1600s were used to have grazing

Hardin's Suggestion

Mutual coercion, mutually agreed upon Wants a regulation accepted by the majority of those affected and imposed upon all involved. E.g. speed limits, income tax, fishing limits

Fishing Story

People don't know how many fish there are and they fish so much that there are no more fish left. Would it make a difference if some poeple knew the number of fish in the pond? Historically people will still do it if they think they will personally benefit. Maybe can use religion of the government to avoid this.

Zero Population Growth (ZPG)

Population is increasing so what to go? Hardin says appeals to conscience won't work. 'Welfare state' prevents selection against many offspring.

Video on Garett Harding and Tragedy of the Commons

Says humans aren't attuned to things that are obvious and immediate Harding uses his words wisely

What is a common resource

Some cultures consider land a common resource. atmosphere is a common resource

Canola Oil Video

-Canola oil is actually made of grape seed -Canola oil is bleached for color and chemically treated - Bad for your brain (loss of memory)

What is "tragedy of the commons"

Concept: a shared resource in which any given user reaps the full benefit of his/her personal use, while the losses are distributed amongst all user. Result? Tragedy. Example: cows grazing on a pasture

CPR (Common Pool Resources)

Examples of CPRs: air, freshwater rivers, ponds, lakes, ocean, scenery, roadways, federal and state owned land