SAGA OF THE LIFEBOAT NIMBY: GARRETT HARDIN AND THE STEWARDSHIP OF THE COMMONS

Garrett Hardin contributed two major strands of thought to the discussion on securing a sustainable global habitat. His idea (1968) of preserving the Commons from the tragedy of destructive misuse by practicing "mutual coercion mutually agreed upon" was followed by the 1974 idea of "lifeboat ethics": saving a lifeboat load of shipwrecked people by sailing away from those still in the water. This is a narrow and nation-centered stand; a lifeboat named NIMBY. The suggestion has drawn much justified criticism, but the central issue Hardin framed by that metaphor, seeking a right response to human fear of global shortage, remains. Failure to address the issue could become a major vulnerability to the prospect of successful stewardship of the Commons. The lifeboat metaphor is basically flawed because the Earth is a single entity; different societies are not on separate lifeboats and we cannot hope to save just single communities. We need a plan whereby each society can correct its own most egregious and harmful practices that could doom sustainability (e.g. runaway population growth; excessive per capita consumption; worship of economic growth; acquiescence to environmental injustice; greenhouse gas emission; soil erosion and degradation; over-exploitation of marine fisheries and reefs; destruction of forests and their habitats). Unlike the Kyoto formula, societies should be allowed to take different paths to sustainability, but in such a way as to ensure equitable and balanced efforts and mutual benefits. The goals, programs and different paths of change must be coordinated, effectively monitored and enforced, and rewarded or penalized as needed.