This section focuses on how government can influence our communities and can work to create a sustainable system.
The tragedy of the commons describes a situation with a shared or communal resource where the community prospers from access to that resource – be it fish, water or the such. The tragedy occurs in this scenario when the individual acts in their own self interest as opposed to the interest of the community – taking more than their share for example. Further, what happens when everyone acts in their own interests as opposed to the interest of the community? We see this scenario repeat itself throughout history. Resources being over exploited with little regard with what will benefit the whole or what will happen in the future. Governments are tasked and given the unique ability to attempt to overcome this. Government imposed fishing regulations are meant to preserve fish stocks while regulations on lumber are meant to preserve the forests. We see corporations fight these regulations – but activists support them. This line of thought applies to services as well; what happens when a community’s waist management system becomes over burdened and fails? What happens when a City “saves” money by cutting funding to public infrastructure or transport? Not only setting regulations but having a sustainable plan for the future can save trouble, hardship, and money when the community inevitably encounters the problem. How can government intervene in the tragedy of the commons, plan for the future, and create an economic sustainable place for everyone? Tragedy of the Commons: https://youtu.be/CxC161GvMPc
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