Understanding the Tragedy of the Commons

Understanding the Tragedy of the Commons The concept of the Tragedy of the Commons refers to a situation in which individuals, acting independently according to their self-interest, ultimately deplete a shared limited resource, even when it is clear that it is not in the long-term best interest of anyone involved. This phenomenon highlights the conflict between individual interests and the common good. Assessment of Given Options Let's analyze each option to determine which one exemplifies the Tragedy of the Commons: A. A tiger breeding program becomes so successful that local zoos have to build additional exhibits so that visitors can view the cats. This scenario focuses on success in breeding, potentially leading to better viewing opportunities. It does not illustrate the depletion of a shared resource, so it is not an example of the Tragedy of the Commons. B. Disney World becomes so crowded that it institutes a lottery for admissions. This situation depicts overcrowding and the limitation of access, but it is more about managing demand rather than the depletion of a common resource. C. The number of satellites in orbit increases to the point where they begin running into each other. This option illustrates the depletion of orbital space, a shared resource. As more satellites are launched, the risk of collision rises, which affects all satellite operators and presents a clear case of the Tragedy of the Commons. D. As one professional football team finds new innovations, all others are forced to adopt the same innovation, and in the end, no one is better off. This depicts competitive pressure and innovation, but it doesn’t directly relate to the depletion of a shared resource, so it does not qualify as the Tragedy of the Commons. Conclusion After analyzing the given options, the correct answer is: Answer: C. The number of satellites in orbit increases to the point where they begin running into each other. Further Exploration For more detailed information on the Tragedy of the Commons, please refer to the following resources: Wikipedia: Tragedy of the Commons The Economist: The Tragedy of the Commons ScienceDirect: The Tragedy of the Commons Revisited