The Tragedy of the Commons: Individual Freedom and Responsibility Crushed by Emergencies Act Sledgehammer

A police officer smashes a truck window as police deploy to remove demonstrators participating in the Freedom Convoy protest opposing COVID-19 mandates and restrictions, in Ottawa on Feb. 19, 2022. Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images

Commentary

“A classic problem in environmental economics is the tragedy of the commons. The solution to it lies in property rights and supply management,” said Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, in a speech at Lloyd’s of London in London, UK, on Sept. 29, 2015.