To what extent is the tragedy of the commons restricting option when dealing with a global ecological crisis?

Essay , 2011 , 8 Pages , Grade: 2,0

Politics - Environmental Policy

This essay deals with the extent to which the tragedy of the commons prevents from dealing with a global ecological crisis. It is out of question that we face an urgent ecological crisis now showing itself in all its facets.
In this short essay I want to focus my attention to how the tragedy of the commons is restricting force and what this means for the fight against the global crisis.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• What is the tragedy of the commons?
• First Conclusion
• Second Conclusion
• Answering the question.....

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the extent to which the tragedy of the commons hinders efforts to address the global ecological crisis. The author examines how individual self-interest and the lack of cooperation contribute to the overexploitation of common resources, ultimately hindering sustainable solutions.

• The concept of the tragedy of the commons
• The relationship between the tragedy of the commons and the global ecological crisis
• The impact of individual self-interest on environmental preservation
• The importance of cooperation and collective action
• The need for a shift in values and behavior

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the essay's focus on the tragedy of the commons and its relevance to the global ecological crisis. The author highlights the urgency of addressing this crisis and the prevalent feeling of helplessness in the face of its magnitude.
• What is the tragedy of the commons?: This chapter provides a definition of the tragedy of the commons, using the example of overgrazing on a shared pasture to illustrate the concept. The author discusses the underlying rationale behind individual self-interest and its detrimental effects on the sustainability of common resources.
• First Conclusion: This chapter argues that the tragedy of the commons is a significant factor hindering efforts to address the global ecological crisis. The author emphasizes the inherent dilemma faced by individuals and nations in acting in their own self-interest while witnessing the depletion of common resources.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay explores the key concepts of the tragedy of the commons, global ecological crisis, individual self-interest, cooperation, collective action, value systems, and sustainable development. The work examines the relationship between these themes and the challenges of addressing environmental degradation.

• College: Sciences Po., Paris
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Julia Hetzel (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V184407
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656092100
• Language: English
• Tags: Ecological Crisis, Tragedy of the commons, Rational choice theory