Throughout the world countries are dumping their garbage in the oceans. This dumping has affected the fish and other aquatic organisms of the oceans. Many fishing industries have collapsed due to this extensive dumping. Which theory explains this scenario?

A.

intensity of demand theory

B.

demographic transition theory

C.

age structure theory

D.

tragedy of the commons theory

E.

zoning theory

The correct answer is: D. tragedy of the commons theory.

The tragedy of the commons theory explains situation in a system where resources are shared and suddenly the individual users start to act independently. Individual users (in this case world countries) start to act according to their own self-interest behave contrary to the common good of all other users (e. g. fishing companies) by depleting or spoiling that resource (fishes and other marine organisms) through their collective action.