The Tragedy of the Commons
The oceans, air, and land are all common property. Everyone shares these resources and responsibility for the degradation that results from improper management. This idea, presented by Garrett Hardin, of the “common pasture” school of thought, describes societies’ use of these resources. He begins by discussing how primitive agricultural practice was the first event that later resulted in the overuse of the land. Since people do not hold the same respect for public lands as for their personal property, they often do not care what consequences their actions may have upon the public lands. Furthermore, the more people we have on the planet, the greater the amount of overexploitation of our common grounds. Therefore, overpopulation is of major concern. A technical solution does not exist for the problem associated with the commons because in order for any changes to be seen in our current situation, we must first change the mindset or values of society. Though fewer commons exist-privatization has decreased the number of lands still available for public access-problems associated with the usage of the common grounds still need to be addressed. Pollution through sewage dumped into waterways, toxins spewed into the atmosphere, and chemicals from garbage leaching into the soils, has badly degraded our water, air, and soils. We, as a society, cannot in good conscience allow this to continue. Thus, action is necessary to restore and protect our common resources.
Our society today is faced with a wide variety of issues. Many of these issues are currently being debated to find the best solution. However, while many people recognize the need for immediate action, others dig in their heels and will not agree on any mediation practices until the perfect solution is created. Though the perfect solution would be ideal, let’s face it, there is rarely a perfect solution present at the time of a debate.
In would seem that a prominent issue of the environmental world is overpopulation. Overpopulation is most often used in relation to lesser developed countries because they usually have the largest populations and higher growth rates when compared to developed nations. While they are exploiting the land through primitive agricultural practises, developed nations are exploiting the atmosphere through emitting greenhouse gases. Both utilize “common” resources in a negative way.
Parks and other areas designated for the conservation of nature are increasingly becoming influenced by human actions. Boating, hiking, and camping are all activities provided so that people can connect with nature outside an urban or suburban setting. Logging and mining are also permitted in parks by the government so companies have access to these valuable resources. However, such activities can negatively affect these areas. Litter such as pop cans, plastic bags, and fast-food wrappers, is easily visible beside walking paths and along shorelines. Designated areas must be made accessible for resource extraction. Surely people should recognize this is not good for the organisms that live in these areas!
Many people are familiar with Lake Winnipeg. Eutrophication has resulted from the dumping of sewage into this watershed, or from nutrients leaching through the soil as a result of farming practices and the use of lawn chemicals. The state of the lake has gotten to the point where people will no longer use it for recreational purposes because of the discomfort associated with a green soupy bath. Eutrophication causes increased algal growth that degrades water quality and negatively impacts native species of plants and animals who share the same waters. Also, a similar situation occurs in Killarney Lake every summer, with algal blooms causing nasty odours and degraded habitats for native species and cottagers alike. Sadly, many lakes are now beginning to resemble Lake Winnipeg, and people are not changing their actions to prevent such events as this increased algal growth.
Though I am not convinced overpopulation is our worst issue today, the actions of many people in society do cause great concern. We need to take responsibility for our actions and show nature the same respect we (or most of us) show our personal, material belongings. Shirking our responsibility now will only cause many problems in the future.
Easton T. Classic edition sources: environmental studies. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2009. pp. 23-7.
Related links.....
Boesveld S. Fish farms put squeeze on marine resources. The Globe and Mail [Online]. Avail from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/fish-farms-put-squeeze-on-marine-resources/article1279812/ [2009 Sep 8]
CBC News. A sea of troubles: Lake Winnipeg in crisis. [Online]. Accessed Oct 6, 2009. Avail from: http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/lakewinnipeg/web.html [2004]
David Suzuki Foundation. Conserving our oceans: healthy oceans. [Online]. Avail from: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Oceans/Healthy_Oceans/default.asp [2009]
eBrandon.ca. Photos: Killarney Lake. [Online]. Avail from:
http://www.ebrandon.ca/photo.aspx?picture_id=12142 [2009 Aug]
Moola, F & Suzuki D. It’s time to rethink our approach to garbage. [Online]. Avail from: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/about_us/Dr_David_Suzuki/Article_Archives/weekly09180901.asp [2009 Sep 18]
The Canadian Press. Lake Winnipeg shows nitrogen, phosphorus spike. [Online]. Avail from: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/08/17/manitoba-lake-winnipeg.html [2009 Aug 17]
