Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Greenwashing & Tragedy of the Commons (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Greenwashing
Greenwashing, sometimes referred to as 'green sheen', refers to the misleading practice where companies use marketing techniques to portray themselves as environmentally friendly or sustainable
This can be deceptive or dishonest because they often do it without implementing any meaningful changes or environmental improvements to their practices
For example, companies may engage in greenwashing by investing in advertising campaigns or branding initiatives that create the perception of environmental responsibility
This can include using eco-friendly imagery, slogans, or labels on products without backing up these claims with genuine sustainability efforts
Greenwashing misleads consumers and undermines genuine efforts towards sustainability
It diverts attention and resources away from real environmental solutions and allows unsustainable business practices to continue
Examples of Greenwashing
Example | Explanation |
---|---|
Energy or oil companies | May advertise their commitment to renewable energy sources, but continue to invest heavily in fossil fuel extraction and lobby against environmental regulations |
Fast-fashion brands | May boast about their eco-friendly clothing lines whilst overlooking their unsustainable manufacturing processes (e.g. by failing to disclose the use of harmful chemicals in their manufacturing process) |
Automotive companies | May promote a "green" electric car model whilst overlooking the environmental impact of the battery manufacturing process or the lack of infrastructure for sustainable energy generation and consumption |
Fast-food chains | May promotes their "eco-friendly" packaging made from recycled materials but fails to mention the environmental impact of its meat sourcing practices or the excessive packaging waste generated by its products |
Tragedy of the Commons
The tragedy of the commons is the term used to describe a situation where resources that are shared by everyone are exploited or depleted due to the absence of individual responsibility
When no one owns a resource, individuals may exploit it for their own gain, leading to its degradation or complete depletion, which ultimately has negative consequences for everyone
An example of the tragedy of the commons can be observed in international waters, where various fishing fleets compete for fish stocks without regulation or cooperation
As each fleet seeks to maximise its catch, fish populations decline, disrupting marine ecosystems and making fisheries increasingly unsustainable
Property rights and commons
In situations where property rights are not clearly defined for common resources, such as communal grazing lands or shared water bodies, individuals may exploit these resources without regard for the long-term consequences
Without ownership or responsibility, the 'free rider' problem arises, where individuals benefit from the resource without contributing to its maintenance or preservation
Alternative approaches
Ostrom's Shared Pastures in Switzerland:
Elinor Ostrom, a renowned scholar in economics, highlighted the effectiveness of local communities in managing common resources through collective agreements and rules
She did this through her research and publications in the latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century, winning the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2009
One notable example is the management of shared pastures in Switzerland by rural communities
In these shared pastures, local communities have established collectively agreed-upon rules to govern grazing practices and ensure sustainable use of the land
Grazing rights are allocated based on traditional practices and equal distribution among community members
Additionally, regular monitoring and enforcement of rules are implemented to prevent overgrazing and maintain the health of the pasture ecosystem
This approach demonstrates how communities can effectively manage common resources through cooperation and collective action without the need for centralised government intervention
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