The tragedy of the commons is a dilemma that develops when a group holds a limited resource in common. If each person acts rationally in his or her own self-interest often the resource will be depleted or destroyed by the group even if the individuals know that their behavior will ultimately be harmful.

Originally released by National Science Foundation, 2012. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 05, 2015.

Tragedy of the Commons: Chalk Talk (1:00); .