Tragedy of the Commons and Related Environmental Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the tragedy of the commons, environmental degradation, and agricultural practices.

Tragedy of the Commons

The concept that individuals use shared resources in their own self-interest, leading to the depletion of those resources.

Public Resources

Resources that are shared and not privately owned, such as water, air, and fisheries.

Overuse

The act of using a resource excessively, which can lead to its degradation or depletion.

Environmental Consequences of Overfishing

Can result in fishery collapse, loss of income, and starvation for communities dependent on fish.

Clearcutting

A logging practice that involves cutting down all the trees in an area, leading to soil erosion and habitat loss.

Soil Erosion

The removal of the top layer of soil, often caused by the loss of vegetation that holds the soil in place.

Green Revolution

A period of agricultural transformation that introduced new technologies and practices to increase food production.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Crops that have been genetically altered to exhibit certain traits such as pest resistance or higher yields.

Synthetic Fertilizer

Man-made fertilizers that provide essential nutrients to plants but can cause environmental harm when they run off into water bodies.

Irrigation

The artificial application of water to soil for assisting in the growing of crops, which can over time lead to depletion of groundwater resources.

Benefits of the Green Revolution

Significant increase in food production globally, prevention of widespread famine in many regions, and development of new, high-yielding crop varieties.

Solutions to the Tragedy of the Commons

Implementation of regulations, privatization of common resources, or establishment of community-based management systems.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that aim to meet society's food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, focusing on environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.