L 2.5 - Tragedy of the Commons

Question 1

What is changing the ecological footprint?

Answer 1

• Increasing use and sources of renewable energy.
• Consideration of smaller non-renewable forms of energy (e.g. rare-earths).
• Growing populations - increased meat production and consumption (e.g. Asia).

Question 2

What are some causes of degradation?

Answer 2

• Fossil fuel extraction, and consumption in industrial and domestic spheres.
• Industrial pollutants are released into the atmosphere or water systems, making rain increasingly acidic.

Question 3

What is the connection between degradation and pollution?

Answer 3

Forest clearance releases locked up carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Along with methane, it creates a blanket for incoming radiation to remain between the earth’s surface and atmospheric layer. This heats up the earth and allows consequential natural changes such as thermal expansion and isostatic sea level rise.

Question 4

How does the tragedy of the commons relate to superpowers?

Answer 4

Any country that initiates change will experience short-term suffering, whilst other countries free-ride off this.

Question 5

What is the logic of a country behind the tragedy of the commons?

Answer 5

Countries must be willing to make the change, but the tragedy of the commons diverts action to that which is in self-interest.

Question 6

How is the tragedy of the commons present in China?

Answer 6

Central to the country’s interest is food and economic security, yet the country has a poor environmental reputation.

Question 7

How is the tragedy of the commons present in the USA?

Answer 7

The country wants liberalism, free-market trading, and minimal governmental intervention, yet still need to demonstrate adequate capacity for leadership to appropriately have these.

Question 8

How is the tragedy of the commons present in the EU?

Answer 8

The organisation protects its farmers and manufacturers, but equally enforces the Kyoto Protocol and associated carbon markets.

Question 9

How is the tragedy of the commons present in Russi?

Answer 9

They have a surplus of carbon credit AND natural gas, yet remains focused on nano-technology.

Question 10

What 4 aspects do a country need to have to overcome the issue presented in the tragedy of the commons? And what is needed or influential in satisfying these needs? (hint: keychain)

Answer 10

• Willingness to act
• Technology - required income to invest in research and development
• Income for investment - requires political partners to trade with
• Political partners - political influence is not always stable