5. “Tragedy of the Commons” refers to common resources “owned” by everyone (a public pasture, air, oceans) and the potential “tragedy” that can result form unregulated harvesting and use for personal gain, ultimately causing resources to be depleted.

FRQ (pg 24 #2) 2. The study of environmental science sometimes involves examining the overuse of environmental resources. (a) Identify one general effect of overuse of an environmental resource. (3 points) (b) For the effect you listed above, describe a more sustainable strategy for resource utilization. (3 points) (c) Describe how past events from Easter Island can indicate environmental issues on Earth today. (4 points)

Tragedy of the Commons