Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Tragedy of the Commons (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Tragedy of the Commons
The tragedy of the commons describes the overuse and depletion of a shared resource
It occurs when individuals act in their own self-interest rather than considering the common good
It leads to the degradation of the resource, making it unavailable for future use
Implications for sustainability
Overexploitation:
Many natural resources are used faster than they can be replenished
This is resulting in resource depletion and could eventually lead to the collapse of certain ecosystems
Impact on biodiversity:
Result in the loss of habitats and species
It can also lead to reduced genetic diversity
These factors can weaken ecosystem resilience, threatening biodiversity
Case Study
Overfishing of Fish Stocks on the Grand Banks
Location:
Grand Banks, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada
Natural resource affected:
Cod fish
Problem:
Intensive fishing by local and international fleets
Advanced fishing technologies and no effective regulation
Consequences:
Dramatic decline in cod populations
Economic collapse of the fishing industry in the region
Long-term ecological damage
Current situation:
Strict regulations and moratoriums on cod fishing
Slow recovery of cod stocks but these are still a long way below historical levels
The tragedy of the commons does not only apply to situations where a natural resource is overharvested
It also applies to the contamination and degradation of ecosystems by humans
Case Study
Plastic Pollution in Ocean Gyres
Location:
Various ocean gyres, including the North Pacific Gyre, home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Natural resource affected:
Marine environment and marine biodiversity
Problem:
Accumulation of plastic debris from land-based and marine sources
Plastics are non-biodegradable and persist for hundreds of years
Consequences:
Marine animals ingest plastics, leading to injury and death
Plastics break down into microplastics, entering the food chain
Damage to marine ecosystems and decline in marine biodiversity
Current situation:
Efforts to reduce plastic use and increase recycling
International agreements and clean-up initiatives
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