What is the main goal of environmental policy? Describe the tragedy of the commons, and explain why environmental policy would focus on avoiding the tragedy of the commons

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The goal of environmental policy is to protect the natural resources that people use while considering the values that people place on resources, and to promote equity in the use of resources. The tragedy of the commons is the idea that unless the land held in common is regulated, there will be overuse and degradation to the detriment of individuals and of society. Environmental policy is designed to limit degradation and overuse of all lands. Externalities are impacts caused by market transactions that are borne by people not involved in the transaction. These impacts can be negative or positive. One role of environmental policy is to consider and deal with negative externalities in a fair manner.