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Biology-Related Homework Help Environmental and Conservation Biology Topic started by: ppk on Dec 24, 2011



Title: What is the main goal of environmental policy? Describe the tragedy of the commo
Post by: ppk on Dec 24, 2011
What is the main goal of environmental policy? Describe the tragedy of the commons and externalities, and explain why environmental policy would focus on these problems. 


Title: Re: What is the main goal of environmental policy? Describe the tragedy of the commo
Post by: how_mendel on Dec 29, 2011
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.