blog: Decision Makers' Corner
Avatar and the Tragedy of the Commons
The tragedy of the commons refers to a situation in which individuals (or corporations) — representing only their own self-interest — will ultimately deplete or despoil a shared limited resource (”the commons”) even when it is clear that it is not in anyone’s long-term interest for this to happen.
The traditional example is of herders sharing a common pasture, on which they are each entitled to let their cows graze. It is in each herder’s self-interest to put additional cows he acquires onto the land, even if the carrying capacity of the common is exceeded and it is temporarily or permanently damaged for everyone as a result. This herder receives all of the benefits from an additional cow, while the damage to the commons is shared by the entire group. If all herders make this individually rational economic decision, the commons will be depleted or even destroyed to the detriment of all.
It always amazes me how ignorant we humans (especially americans) remain of this Law of the Commons! One would think that our political representatives, at least, should have a clue about how this works (rather than knee-jerk demonizing “socialism” in even its mildest forms). But now, of course, our congressman are too largely bought and sold by their corporate masters — who not only do not have a clue, but don’t want one!
To be conscious and responsible around the stewardship of our commons — our natural resources — might slow down the ‘inexpensive’ exploitation of nature, and that could affect quarterly earnings! And as long as the taxpayers will bear the costs – and we do bear all the costs of damage to our collective environment or health in the form of taxation or deficits — what is the incentive for corporations, totally focused on short-term profits, to care? None!
We live in an economic system that is continually despoiling the commons for the outsized gain of the few corporate masters who run the show. We need to wake up and insist that our representatives understand the Tragedy of the Commons and their responsibility to avoid it. Our pattern of extolling individual rights, including the rights of corporations, at the expense of the commons, can come to no good end for any of us, including the oligarchs.
Nature will come swooping down on flying dynosaurs and kick our mechanical butts!
I agree with Laura, we need to count on ourselves knowing that everything we do counts. For sure corporations will get a HUGE ass wooping because they are suppose to be the leaders down here. We are in control and responsible for our destiny and need to begin to regain the Mastery over ourselves and our surroundings.
But yeah, with leaders like these who needs enemies?
Luckily there are a small number of leaders we can look up to. Pioneers perhaps!
:)!
Great article, that is however missing a very important fact.
Why do we blame the corporations? Would they have powers if we didn't gave it to them? How do they make profits?
Would they exploit the Earth if it was only them?
The fact of the matter is that through our greed we give corporations powers.
We are the ones that give them control over ourselves!
We like our comfortable cars, high tech toys and we don't even educate ourselves to understand that the precious ore is mined by small kids in underdeveloped places, our pre-packaged food in plastic waste, a comfortable place to live in overlooking where that wood is coming from, the vast quantities of toilet paper, diapers and other consumer goods, the daily showers that deplete clean waters and give back water soiled with all sort of chemicals.
The list keeps growing.
How many would give up everything and go back to living a simple life in balance with nature? Is that possible?
A simple question: how many recycle everything? and I mean everything!
Corporations will always produce what the masses want: a more sleek and comfortable life for the masses, yes there's profit in it of course, but profit won't be there if we didn't use those things there won't be a need to produce them.
With all due respect but it is us that we need to wake up! and say no to ourselves.
Then a way shall be found.
You would enjoy reading Jennifer Government. It's set in a time when corporations have won on a global scale. An extremely interesting take on the Tragedy of the Commons. I believe it's being made into a movie, too, but I recommend reading the book before the Corporations take it over in film. : )
I'm working my way through a revolutionary and most important book, Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto, by Stewart Brand. He is the founder and editor of The Whole Earth Catalog - I don't know if anyone remembers it, but it had all sorts of articles in it, from how to build a teepee to how to collect rainwater, etc.
Anyway, this Whole Earth Discipline is blowing my mind with science. Stewart Brand has reversed his position on nuclear power, crop genetics modification, and urbanization, to mention a few topics. He is pointing out the mindless prejudice we indulge in in the name of Green power. It's like we have allowed fear to blindfold us to the benefits and possibilities that might be available to us through science and technology. I am still reeling from the facts he has presented. And I am also HOPEFUL we can find a more balanced stewardship. Please read this book.
Ater the first decade of the 21st century"Tragedy of Commons" I'm so hopeful that we are able to put pure free-market economics aside and experience the idea of working for the "common good" or "greater" good. I'm very much for our President because he firmly believes in all of us and not the "oligarchs". He made it clear on that subject. This blog of yours does provoke what I have been thinking and feeling ever since last night and the SOTU speech!
How freaky - I was just helping my 17 year old daughter with an essay on the "Tragedy of Commons" last night and I'm embarrassed to admit that until then - I had not heard of it! What a wonderful explanation for why pure free-market economics is destined to fail civilization...