The collective action problem in environmental contexts is often linked to what type of resource?

The collective action problem in environmental contexts is often linked to common-pool resources. These resources are characterized by being non-excludable and rivalrous, meaning that individuals cannot be effectively excluded from using them, but one person's use diminishes the availability for others. This creates a situation where individuals, acting in their own self-interest, may over-exploit these resources, leading to depletion or degradation.

Examples of common-pool resources include fisheries, groundwater, and forests, where the challenge arises from the difficulty in coordinating collective efforts to manage and conserve these resources. Because the benefits of using the resource accrue to individuals while the costs are shared by the community, it leads to potential overuse, as each individual may prioritize their immediate gain over the long-term sustainability of the resource. This scenario exemplifies the collective action problem, where the shared nature of the resource complicates cooperation and management efforts among users.