What is the "tragedy of the commons," and how does it relate to environmental sociology?

The “tragedy of the commons,” a concept popularized by Garrett Hardin, describes a situation where individuals acting in their own self-interest deplete a shared resource, leading to its eventual destruction. In environmental sociology, this concept illustrates the challenges of managing common-pool resources such as air, water, and fisheries. It underscores the need for collective action, regulation, and sustainable practices to prevent the over-exploitation of these resources.