Theme 1 & 3: The Tragedy of the Commons

The stock of natural capital in many countries is under threat from the tragedy of the commons. What is meant by the tragedy of the commons? Explain one strategy for protecting natural capital.

Unit 1: Market failure - Illegal Logging in Phillipines

This news report looks at the human cost of an example of the tragedy of the commons - illegal logging in the south Philippines which contributed to tens of deaths from the effects of flash flooding. Ecosystems and economic prospects are damaged at the same time because of failures in environmental management.