12.1 Tragedy of the Commons

• In 1968, environmentalists coined the term of concept called the “Tragedy of the Commons”. The tragedy being the notion that any resource that is open to everyone, such as the atmosphere or parts of the ocean, will eventually be destroyed because everyone can use the resource freely, but no one is responsible for preserving it. When people are not compelled to preserve resources for the welfare of future generations, the Tragedy of the Commons occurs.
• Conservation is to protect and preserve the natural environment by using the earth’s resources wisely. Conservation helps to slow down the use of resources so that they will last longer. However, this is not enough as our resources may run out some day.
• The goal should be to have a lifestyle that allows the earth’s resources to last forever. Sustainability means the earth is able to replace the resources we take from it.
• How do we practice sustainable living?

  We can recycle, renew and preserve resources.