Tragedy of the Commons

What can be done to solve problems related to the tragedy of the commons?

• Privatization

• Regulations, restrictions and quotas

• Public education

• All of the above

What is the definition of the tragedy of the commons?

• When humans overuse a natural resource

• When the short-term, positive effects go to the individual, while the long-term, negative effects are spread out to the group

• When humans act selfishly, thinking of their own self-interest

• When plants and animals compete for space, resources, and/or food

Which of the following are both examples of the tragedy of the commons?

• Overfishing and earthquakes

• Flooding and tsunamis

• Pollution and overpopulation

• Super-germs and virus outbreaks

Who deserves credit for discovering the tragedy of the commons?

• William Forster Lloyd

• Garrett Hardin

• Both a and b

• Neither a and b

The tragedy of the commons can be prevented by

• externalities

• fisheries in international waters

• the use of harvest permits

• the use of public land for grazing

Which of the following quotes seems to be taken directly from the tragedy of the commons (Nature, 1968)?

• "The rational herdsman concludes that the only sensible course for him to pursue is to add another animal to his herd. And another, and another … Therein is the tragedy"

• "Among the savage nations of hunters and fishers, every individual who is able to work is more or less employed in useful labor, and endeavors to provide... the necessaries and conveniences of life, for himself, and such of his family or tribe"

• "There is one and only one social responsibility of business–to use it resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it... engages in open and free competition without deception or fraud"

Which of the following is an example of a solution to the tragedy of the commons?

• Improving literacy among urban populations

• Raising tax rates for large corporations

• Inventing stronger antibiotics

• Passing a law to set limits for fishermen

True or false: As populations grow, the tragedy of the commons will become more of a problem.

• True

• False

What are considered "the commons"

• Common house hold items like knifes, spoons, and forks.

• A renewable resource owned by no one and available for use by anyone at little or no charge

• A field where college students can sit outside in between classes

In the movie "The Lorax" what was considered the commons?

• The barbaloo bears

• The truffula trees

• The Once-ler