The Northern Spotted Owl and the Tragedy of the Commons: Stakes and Stakeholders

Abstract

This article describes two role-playing exercises. The first introduces Hardin’s (1968) concept of the “tragedy of the commons.” The second simulates the controversy surrounding the protection of the northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act. Together, these activities (a) increase environmental awareness in the context of the competing interests that various stakeholders have in our global commons, (b) help students understand the conflict between striving for a competitive advantage and preserving the environment, (c) demonstrate the complexity and cost of protecting the environment, and (d) explore the dynamics of private property rights versus public needs and the demands of regulation.