Envi Sci 2013 Notes 1.2

Tragedy of the Commons (Garrett Hardin)

Tragedy of the Commons Garret Hardin (Bio UCal Santa Barbara) wrote the essay way back in 1968… The gist: – a pasture is open to all for grazing livestock. – the more animals that graze, the more individual profit each farmer can make. – …but more animals eat more grass… – And eventually, the pasture is eaten bare and everyone has nothing!

Tragedy expanded… The analogy: the Commons/pasture represents a natural resource (air…the oceans…soil…etc.) If no one has control over it (to maintain it and keep it from being polluted or used up for greed and personal gain) it will soon be spoiled and useless. Does an auto manufacturer have the “right” to pollute the air that everyone breathes to increase profit?

- individual interests vs. the common good

-free access & unrestricted demand for finite resource(s)

- resource will be depleted through over-use: individuals are motivated to maximize their personal use of the common resource without the responsibility to maintain, replenish or manage it (sustainability)

Economics & the Environment (how economics affects environmental issues)

- supply & demand: item value increases with demand. ex: oil supply decreases/ we pay more; we find new energy source & use less oil, price ↓

- cost/benefit analysis: “green” cars cost more to make… auto company passes higher cost on to consumer; consumer pays higher price or “chooses” to pollute...

- risk assessment: Perceived danger of an act or process. Example: Is nuclear power “safer” than burning coal to produce electricity?

Developed/Developing Countries

… unequal distribution of wealth & resources DEVELOPED Higher average income Slower population growth Diverse industrial/economic base Strong social support system DEVELOPING Lower average income Rapid population growth Simple agricultural/economic base Social support system weak or nonexistant

Root causes of environmental problems

- human population growth out- paces local environment’s ability to supply/support it

- people use,waste, and/or pollute resources faster than they can be replaced/renewed/cleaned up…

Local Population Pressures

forests stripped bare

Animals driven extinct

Depleted topsoil

malnutrition, starvation, disease

...even as resources dwindle, population continues to increase (developing countries)

Consumption Trends

- creates more waste & pollution per person...

Ecological Footprint (expresses differences in consumption between nations) How much land is needed for food (crops & grazing) Forest products (home construction, furniture, etc.) Housing needs (material and space required) Impact on oceans & rainforests (CO 2 absorption from fossil fuel use)

Environmental Science in Context

Simple solutions are rare….

environmental issues have become social/economic issues

Info is distorted to serve agendas of big business. People are misled. Bias & special interests win out over the “right thing” to do. The media sensationalizes for ratings and profit.

critical thinking skills & good science MUST PREVAIL be prepared to listen to many viewpoints investigate information sources for bias & conclusions SO WHO SHOULD YOU TRUST?

SUSTAINABILITY: the key goal of environmental science human needs are met in such a way that humans can survive indefinitely.

SUSTAINABILITY: the key goal of environmental science will require cooperative effort: between people…

SUSTAINABILITY: the key goal of environmental science will require cooperative effort: between nations...

SUSTAINABILITY: the key goal of environmental science will require cooperative effort: between industry & the balance of nature…

SUSTAINABILITY: the key goal of environmental science will require cooperative effort: between government & individual...

Thank you for your tie.