Activity 4.1 – Tragedy of the Commons: A Case Study

 Malik Hamideh

Professor Walker

ENVR-1302-002

7 April 2024

Activity 4.1 - Environmental Economic Policy - Tragedy of the Commons

3.1. Introduction to the tragedy of the commons in general (about a paragraph for readers who have no clue what it is).

A notion from environmental science and economics known as the tragedy of the commons describes how human self-interest, and a lack of cooperation may lead to the depletion or deterioration of a shared resource. Garrett Hardin, an ecologist, introduced the phrase in 1968. Any shared resource that people may freely access and use without restriction, such as pastureland, fisheries, or clean air, is referred to as the "commons" (Amendolare). But when people pursue their own goals without taking the resource's long-term sustainability into account, it frequently results in overuse or contamination, which eventually hurts everyone who depends on the resource. This problem draws attention to the conflict that exists between societal well-being and individual freedom, highlighting the necessity of strong governance and group effort to manage and protect shared resources sustainably.

3.2. Descriptive explanation of the tragedy of the commons problem (cause of the problem, situation, geographical location(s), etc.) THIS IS WHERE YOU WRITE ABOUT YOUR CURRENT EVENT.

Concerns are raised by this circumstance over the possibility of a sand shortage worldwide and the possibility of societal unrest. The observed phenomena have significant implications for both coastal inhabitants and biodiversity (Ganie et al.). Uncontrolled sand mining in underdeveloped countries has major and far-reaching consequences on the environment and ecology. Sand mining destroys habitat, mainly for threatened and endangered species. 

3.3. External Costs (Externalities) both positive and negative.

The potential for sand mining to stimulate local economies through job creation, tax revenue, and the kindling of related industries like building and infrastructure development is a positive externality from economic gains.

Furthermore, infrastructure development is a positive externality as it is essential to the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects that promote economic growth and societal advancement.

The Negative externalities are the Degradation of the environment: Sand mining can cause aquifer depletion, habitat destruction, riverbed change, and coastal erosion, which can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem and a loss of biodiversity.

Social effects are a negative externality since they can lead to health issues for the populations surrounding sand mining operations due to air and water pollution, population displacement, loss of access to traditional sustenance sources like fishing, and conflicts over land use.

3.4. Two solutions.

Establishing regional and international cooperation as well as enacting strong regulations are solutions that protect the environment and ensure the long-term availability of this important resource( Ganie et al.). Governments, businesses, and consumers have a role to play in promoting sustainable sand-sourcing practices.

International and regional cooperation platforms provide opportunities for countries to exchange effective sand mining management techniques and strategies. Through common experience, countries may implement more efficient regulatory frameworks, enforcement strategies, and sustainable practices to reduce adverse externalities.

To combat overexploitation and resource depletion, regulations might set quotas or restrictions on the quantity of sand that can be taken from particular locations. Regulations reduce the danger of habitat devastation and biodiversity loss while preserving sand deposits for future generations by encouraging sustainable mining methods.

3.5. Argument for and against the possible solution.

 Governments can regulate and oversee sand extraction operations to preserve the environment, save resources, and promote social welfare by putting in place stringent regulations and enforcement measures. Measures like environmental impact studies, extraction rate caps, pollution control specifications, and community participation programs are examples of the kinds of things that regulations might cover. Implementing these standards has the potential to promote sustainable practices in sand mining, mitigate environmental harm, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the welfare of nearby populations.

Strong rules can be difficult to adopt and enforce, even if they may seem like a good way to lessen the negative externalities of sand mining. Monitoring regulatory compliance can be challenging, particularly in isolated or loosely regulated areas where illicit sand mining is common. Furthermore, strict laws can cost mining businesses money, which might result in job losses or slowdowns in the economies of areas where sand mining is a major sector. Furthermore, corrupt practices or regulatory gaps might make restrictions less effective and enable careless mining activities to continue. Regulating is vital, but it has to be done so in a way that balances economic factors, addresses issues with enforcement, and ensures social and economic sustainability, according to critics.

3.6. References

Amendolare, Nicholas. “What Is the Tragedy of the Commons?  Amendolare.” TED-Ed, YouTube, 21 Nov. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxC161GvMPc. 

Ganie, Javeed Ahmad, et al. “Sand Mining in Brics Economies: Tragedy of the Commons or Fortune in the Making?” Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier, 12 Dec. 2023, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652623042804#preview-section-abstract.