Tragedy of the Commons

Strength of ToC

Benefits of overuse beyond sustainability is high for individual/low for society. Costs high for society/low for individual

Weakness of Toc

Costs and benefits of action/inaction not equally distributed - no common values across all parties (rich/poor adaptations) costs of inaction of poor = higher.

Strength of ToC

It helps understand the potential for overuse - if private gain results from increased use by single member of society.

Tragedy of the Commons

The tragedy of the commons is a situation where there is an overconsumption of a particular product/service because rational individuals decision lead to an outcome that is damaging to overall welfare.

Weakness of Toc

climate change different type of problem- international. if one country takes action it could be more than outweighed by increased emissions elsewhere = neither problem/sollution is restricted to a single country

Weakness of Toc

complexity in separating of large developing countries - at least 4 negotiating bodies - no understanding of hierarchies/blocs of voting countries - gov intervention required but lack of global government means action must be effective via 100% agreement of negotiation to legislate.

Weakness of Toc

no common set of values because everyone is at different stages of economic development

Weakness of Toc

like to think we are nice/have cognitive dissonance/coping mechanisms to avoid thinking about economic behaviours seriously - don't see carbon sink rising or see impacts as small society -however could be analysed to suggest it can result in some people developing coping mechanisms for example cultural attitudes/barriers that prevent overuse

Weakness of Toc

poor populations cannot pay emitters to stop due to no organisation/money - many victims not born - must rely on present generations to value their future welfare

Strength of ToC

It describes the private incentive to pollute in a situation with no overall rules etc - Incentive to fill the carbon sink with their own waste, as they will get increased welfare/profits.