Tragedy of the Commons

Provided by: Khan Academy |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This Khan Academy video uses a simple example of a public fishing pond to illustrate the tragedy of the commons, which allows unprotected areas or resources to become depleted or destroyed by overuse.
The resource includes a video, a transcript, and an interactive quiz.

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Subjects: Biology, Economics

Authors: Khan Academy

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This is a simple example that helps students understand the need for regulations and protections for the things that no one owns but that everyone relies on, like air, water, and nature.
They suggest a solution: having some sort of permitting or restrictions established to protect these areas.

Prerequisites

It may help to have students make a list of everything they can think of that isn't owned on Earth but could be used by many different people.

Differentiation & Implementation

This video can be connected to topics such as competition, population density, ecosystem limits, and planning for future generations.
This video can be used to introduce different concepts of caring for the Earth and for the future, like those of many Indigenous cultures that live within their ecosystem's limits and think many generations ahead when making decisions.
Other resources related to this topic include this TED video on intergenerational justice and this course on globalization.

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Resource Type and Format

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

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Tragedy of the Commons

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources