Depleted uranium: A tragedy of the commons.

Abstract

The Tragedy of the Commons parable (Hardin, 1968) is contrasted with a social catharsis concept called the Comedy of Community (Levine, 1986) as both pertain to environmental and health concerns regarding the use of depleted uranium (DU). The origin, nature, and exposure risks of DU are explored. A theory of justice model (Sheppard, Lewicki, & Minton, 1992) is implemented to evaluate the need for action in opposition to the use of DU. Greed, at both individual and systemic levels, is shown to be fundamental to the DU issue. Collective greed with its adverse effects is then contrasted with the merits of dissent as a collective, civic responsibility. Citizen activism is regarded as essential for keeping the government accountable for DU contamination. Current, proposed, and speculative solutions to the DU problem are presented.