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Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows, framework 4 of 7

Three ways to avoid the tragedy of the commons

Ways to restore missing feedback on a shared resource.

Donella Meadows's framework, from Thinking in Systems, pp. 93 to 165.

  1. Educate and exhort

    Help people see the consequences and appeal to morality.

  2. Privatise the commons

    Make each user bear the consequences of their own use.

  3. Regulate the commons

    Use quotas, permits, taxes and enforcement, 'mutual coercion, mutually agreed upon'.

From chapter: Part Two: Systems and Us, pp. 93–165

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