Science & The Environment

Section 2: The Environment & SocietyStandards: SEV4d, SEV4f, SEV5c, SEV5f

Essay written by Garrett Hardin in 1968

Main idea: Problem with solving env. problems is the conflict btwn short term goals of an individual vs. the long term welfare of society.

What is the “Tragedy of the Commons”?

Imagine a “common” area of land for grazing sheep.

It is in the best interest of one INDIVIDUAL farmer to put as many sheep as he can on the common grazing land. That way he can make more money.

HOWEVER, when ALL farmers think this way, too many sheep graze in that area and the area becomes depleted from overgrazing, trampling, etc..

What is the “Tragedy of the Commons”?

Someone has to take responsibility for maintaining a resource or it can be overused & depleted.

We now have grazing regulations and hunting & fishing laws to prevent resource depletion.

What are some other “common” areas?

What is the “Tragedy of the Commons”?

Supply & Demand◦ If resource is limited

and has greater demand then the higher its cost.

What does economics have to do with the environment?

Costs-Benefit Analysis◦ Weighing the cost of

buying/producing a product vs. the benefit to the environment

◦ EX: Is fracturing the Earth to get remnant oil more beneficial even though there is a cost to the environment and drinking water sources?

What does economics have to do with the environment?

Risk Assessment◦ Usually done along with

cost-benefit analysis◦ Must determine risk to

know if there is a benefit to an environmental action.

◦ Risk assessment depends on who is doing it. If done by an industry- may

see less risk If done by a citizen group-

may see more risk

What does economics have to do with the environment?

Developed countries◦ higher average incomes◦ slower population growth◦ diverse industrial economies◦ stronger social support

systems◦ EX: US, Western Europe,

Japan Responsible for the

“consumption crisis”- use & waste too many natural resources

Use 75% of world’s natural resources BUT only makes up 20% of world’s population.

What is the difference between a developed & developing country?

Top World Oil Consumers in 2009

Developing countries◦ lower average incomes◦ simple & agricultural-based

economies◦ rapid population growth◦ EX: Mexico, Indonesia,

countries in Africa Responsible for

“population crisis”- Population grows too fast for current resource level- causes malnutrition, disease, fewer jobs

What is the difference between a developed & developing country?

China is most populated country- 1.3 billion people

China is on the verge of becoming developed thanks to outsourcing and globalization.

Population crisis + consumption crisis = INCREASED RESOURCE DEPLETION AND POLLUTION

India (population 1.2 billion ) not far behind!

What about China?

Shows the productive area of the earth needed to support one person in a particular country.

Here’s Mrs. Davis’ data…

What is an ecological footprint?

Sustainability- condition in which human needs are met in such a way that a human population can survive indefinitely.

Requires participation of citizens, industries, & governments

What is a sustainable world?