A .Environmental problems have frequently been described as collective action problems. How does the model of the tragedy of the commons help to analyze environmental problems? What are the factors that determine whether or not collective action that addresses these problems will take place? What kind of solutions does the market (e.g. green consumption) offer and what are the advantages and disadvantages compared to political solutions (e.g. legislation)?
B.Climate change is currently one of the most discussed environmental problems. To what extent can climate change be described as a collective action problem and how does it differ from other environmental collective action problems? What kind of factors explain who perceives climate change as a pressing problem and who does not? What are the obstacles that stand in the way of both political (e.g. international legislation) and individual (e.g. lifestyle changes) solutions to climate change?
C. Environmental problems affect different groups of people differently. What kind of social factors (e.g. class and race) account for these differences and how do these differences play out on a global scale (as compared to a national one)? What are the reasons that enable some groups to shield themselves from environmental hazards, while others fail to do so? How does the ability of some groups to protect themselves in consequence shape their willingness to engage in political action that also benefits other groups in society?
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