Tragedy of the commons is very real.

It is the idea that if i pollute the earth a little, its going to have a negligible effect given the number of people. But the problem is that everyone has the same thought. So, billions of infinitesimal acts add up to a great amount of deterioration. Now that the people know that the earth is deteriorated, what do they do? Nothing.

Because this is where the bystander effect kicks in. People tend to think that someone else will take care of this public problem so they dont have to bother. Besides these effects take some time to accumulate to have a bigger impact. So, while giving in to BE, people dont realize the magnitude of the problem until it is too late.

As much as i love mother earth, i am a part of the problem. I know i should do something but i am fearful. I am somewhat of an awkward guy so i dont want to bother with people. This personal weakness is costing the people their right to a healthy planet. You might be lazy. Someone else might be an asshole. We need fix our weaknesses to make things right. Unfortunately, no one is willing to do that.