The 'tragedy of the commons' refers to:
AOver-exploitation of shared resources by users acting in self-interest
BGovernment failure to provide essential public goods nationally
CInability of small communities to share land peacefully
DUnequal distribution of natural resources globally amongst nations
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Over-exploitation of shared resources by users acting in self-interest
A shared resource (grazing field, groundwater, atmosphere) gets over-used because each user gains personally while everyone bears the cost collectively. Hence the need for regulation or community management.
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