Wed 16 Jan 2008
The above article suggests that the international conference on global warming is a prime example of the tragedy of the commons. Developing countries like China have put economic development ahead of environmental concerns. The environment is a common resource because no one really owns it. Much like other common resources, the environment is being exploited by everyone. In the long run, this could cause severe global warming and an ecological nightmare. China has put issues like poverty way above issues like global warming. Despite the fact that their ignorance towards the environment will cause harm and tragedy to the rest of the world, its goal is still to maximize wealth at any cost. Thus, it is an excellent example of the tragedy of the commons.
January 20th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
When reading the above post, I did a little more research on China and the “Tragedy of the Commons” and I came up with some interesting additions. It’s obvious that China is experiencing the “Tragedy of the Commons,” but it would be naive for the United States to think they were not guilty of a similar crime. For example, take California. It is estimated that California will add, at the current immigration rate, 20 million to their population in 30 years, according to http://www.rense.com/general61/commons.htm. What does this mean for California farmers? It seems that America is putting democratic appeals to immigration ahead of what might be best for the states. I’m not saying we should stop immigration, but it’s interesting to see how the U.S. is being affected in a similar way as China, but by entirely different means.