Common resources get overused typically because:
A)government subsidies encourage users to exploit it
B)there isn't enough fish for all the fishing trawlers
C)users ignore the externality they impose on others
D)common resources are excludable and rival

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a resource is commonly shared, users often have the tendency to ignore the external costs (negative consequences of their actions on others) imposed on other users, leading to overuse of the resource. This is known as the tragedy of the commons. The other options are less likely to explain the overuse of common resources. Government subsidies may encourage the use of common resources, but they do not necessarily lead to overuse. The availability of fish does not necessarily mean there will be overuse if users are mindful of the external effects of their actions. Common resources are excludable and rival, but it is the failure of users to internalize the external costs that leads to overuse.

Common Resources Get Overused Typically Because