At the personal, local, national and global levels, we have found different versions of Hardin's tragedy of the commons. At each level, we have found different types of opportunities to mitigate human-induced climate change. Obstacles to collective action persist at each level, but the specific nature of these obstacles varies widely.
a. In light of the current science, how urgent is it to act now, despite the many other pressing issues on global and national policy agendas? Do current frameworks for assessing policy, such as cost-benefit analysis and the precautionary principle, support such action? Why or why not?
b. Next, select two of the four levels we have focused on. Your answer should include the NATIONAL and the PERSONAL challenge. Compare the nature of the challenge at each of the two levels selected, and the relation between them. Your analysis should include answers to the following questions.
1) How are the more general dilemmas of the tragedy of the commons reflected at each level? What specific kinds of measures can be undertaken to reduce greenhouse emissions at each level? What obstacles confront efforts to address the climate change issue at each? Is action at one level easier or more effective than at the other? Why or why not?
2) How do the possibilities for meeting the challenge at each level depend in any way on action (or inaction) at the other level? How, for instance, does PERSONAL action depend on NATIONAL action? How might PERSONAL action depend on NATIONAL action? Give specific examples of what you mean.
Article : The Tragedy of the Commons By Garrett Hardin