In the tragedy of the commons, every person has an incentive to use a resource, but at the price of every other person, and there is no means to prevent anybody from using it. It was initially conceived by considering what would occur if each shepherd, acting in his or her own self-interest, permitted their flock to graze on the common field. If everyone does behave in their apparent self-interest, it leads to unhealthy overconsumption of all the grass, to everyone's disadvantage. Since no one will pay to plant new seeds, the issue may also lead to underinvestment and, eventually, resource depletion. Every person who consumes an additional unit immediately affects others as well as oneself since they are no longer able to enjoy the advantages because there is an excessive demand for the resource. The resource of interest is often readily accessible to everyone without restrictions.
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