The Tragedy of the Commons
What does the “Tragedy of the Commons” describe?
Individuals acting in self-interest overusing shared resources.
What was the main goal of the Green Revolution?
Increase global food production to prevent famine
What is the main goal of modern agriculture?
Increase crop yield to meet global food demands.
What is the term for the removal of salt from salt water to create fresh water?
Desalination
This refers to humans living on Earth and their use of resources without depletion of the resources for future generations
Which of the following is an example of the Tragedy of the Commons?:
A. National parks managed by permits
B. A fishery with no catch limits
C. Private farmland rotation
D. A local garden co-op
B. A fishery with no catch limits
What crop was genetically modified to produce many different varieties that helped decrease famine?
Wheat / grain
Why is crop rotation better than monoculture?
Crop rotation restores nutrients and reduces pests; monoculture depletes soil and biodiversity.
How is overfishing an example of the Tragedy of the Commons?
People take too many fish for personal gain, which hurts the shared resource for everyone else.
Name a benefit of sustainable agriculture practices
Restores soil nutrients, reduces fertilizer and pesticide use, Improves long-term food security.
Who introduced the concept of the “Tragedy of the Commons”?
Garret Hardin
Who is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution”?
Norman Borlaug
Name and describe a type of irrigation method
Drip, Flood, Furrow, Spray
What is one harmful effect of mining on the environment?
It can pollute water or remove habitats for plants and animals.
What is Aquaculture?
the breeding and harvesting of aquatic organisms in all types of aquatic ecosystems
Why are common resources like oceans or the atmosphere easily overused?
Because no one owns or regulates them, leading to overexploitation.
Which technologies made the Green Revolution possible?
High-yield crops, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and mechanization.
What environmental issue can result from overusing fertilizers and pesticides?
Water pollution, eutrophication, or soil degradation.
How does urbanization affect the environment?
it creates urban hot spots, creates habitat loss, affects biodiversity
This refers to the combination of methods used to effectively control pest species while minimizing the disruption to the environment
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Explain one way government regulation or community management can help prevent a tragedy of the commons.
Setting quotas, requiring permits, or using cooperative agreements ensures shared responsibility and sustainable use.
How did the Green Revolution improve food security but harm the environment?
It boosted yields but caused soil degradation, pollution, and biodiversity loss
Name one "modern" agricultural practice and describe its pro and con
Drip Irrigation
Pro: Conserves water by delivering it directly to plant roots.
Con: Expensive to install and maintain.
Monoculture Farming
Pro: Efficient large-scale harvesting of a single crop.
Con: Depletes soil nutrients and reduces biodiversity.
Use of Synthetic Fertilizers
Pro: Rapidly increases crop yield by adding key nutrients.
Con: Causes runoff and algal blooms in nearby waterways.
CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)
Pro: Produces large quantities of meat at lower cost.
Con: Generates waste that pollutes air and water.
Name one negative human practice discussed in class and describes its importance and impact
Deforestation – Important for providing land and resources, but it destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity.
B. Overfishing – Provides food and jobs, but it causes fish populations to collapse and harms ocean ecosystems.
C. Mining – Supplies materials we use every day, but it leads to water pollution and habitat loss.
D. Urbanization – Helps cities grow and support more people, but it increases heat, flooding, and pollution.
Name one positive human practice discussed in class and describe its importance and impact.
A. Sustainable Agriculture – Helps grow food while protecting soil and reducing chemical use.
B. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Controls pests with fewer chemicals, keeping water and wildlife safer.
C. Sustainable Forestry – Allows people to use trees for wood while replanting and protecting habitats.
D. Reducing Urban Runoff – Uses green roofs and permeable pavement to prevent flooding and keep water clean.