APES Video Notes for 5.1 - Tragedy of the Commons

Tragedy of the Commons

A concept that describes how individuals tend to overuse public or shared resources because they do not face direct consequences for their actions.

Negative Externality

A cost that arises from a human activity that is not experienced by the person conducting that activity.

Public Resources

Resources that are shared among the public and are subject to overuse and depletion.

Private Resources

Resources that are owned individually, causing owners to face consequences for their use.

Overfishing

Catching fish at a rate that exceeds the reproductive capacity of fish populations, leading to depletion.

Public Restrooms

Shared facilities that often become dirty due to lack of personal responsibility among users.

Groundwater depletion

The reduction of the quantity of water stored underground, often due to excessive pumping from wells.

Clean Water Act

A U.S. federal law that aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by regulating pollutant discharges.

Sustainable Use

Using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Permit System

A regulatory framework requiring individuals or companies to pay fees for specific types of resource use, aimed at reducing overconsumption.