Environmental Science

1. The Tragedy of
Commons

2. Garrett Hardin –
Ecologist
“The Tragedy of the Commons”
authored essay in 1968.
Focuses on:
- Environmental degradation
- Population growth
- Limited natural resources

3. In his essay, ecologist Garrett Hardin
argued that the main difficulty in solving
environmental problems is the conflict
between the short-term interests of
individual and the long-term welfare of
society.
What is the Tragedy of the
Commons?

4. Garrett’s Example
There is a pasture shared by
farmers.
The farmers want to increase the
value of their flock, so they will add
another to the pasture.
If all farmers follow this pattern,
the commons will ultimately be
destroyed.

5. Garrett’s Example
 As a result, the commons were
overgrazed and degenerated to
the point that they were no longer
able to support the farmer’s
flocks.
 This failure of owners of these
private lands to preserve the
natural resources is known as
“the tragedy of the commons”.

6. “We can avoid the tragedy only by altering
our values.” (Hardin, 1968)
This means we can change the way we live
(sustainably) by preserving our natural
resources even in the private sector.

7.  Society – an extended social group having
distinctive cultural and economic
organization.
 Environment – combination of all things and
factors external to individuals or populations.
 Economy – production, consumption and
distribution of resources.
Standards of Sustainability

8.  Establish clear property rights.
 Implement regulation and enforcement.
 Encourage collective management.
 Use market-based approaches.
 Educate and raise awareness.
SOLUTIONS:

9. Consequences
of Over-
extraction of
Resources

10. ENVIRONMENTAL
The disappearance of habitats
essential for flora and fauna
and, therefore, the extinction of
species.
The disruptions in the balanc
of ecosystem.

11. ENVIRONMENTAL
BEFORE
AFTER AFTER

12. Quagga Tasmanian Tiger Yangtze River
Dolphin
Dodo Northern White
Rhino
Pinta Island
Tortoise

13. ECONOMIC
According to United
Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization
(FAO) 33% of the world’s
soils are moderately to
highly degraded and more
than 90% could be
degraded by 2050.

14. If the erosion of fertile soil
continues at the same rate,
agricultural commodity
prices will inevitably soar.
ECONOMIC

15. HEALTH
Air Pollution Water Pollution

16. SOLUTIONS
Sustainable
Resource
Management
Alternative
resources
Educational and
Awareness