The solution to the problem generally lies in government application of market mechanisms. For example, applying effluent charges on pollution forces the polluters to bear the cost of pollution impose on others. Taxing fish catches can act as a feedback mechanism preventing over exploitation. However, an interesting problem arises as governments and societies become more socialized. As costs become born by society as a whole, there is less incentive to conserve.
Potential costs influences decisions to raise children.
We have agreed that the costs of primary and secondary education should be shared. Perhaps we will agree to share the cost of medical treatment. Perhaps we will agree that college costs should be shared. As more costs are socialized, we set the stage for a tragedy of the commons. Socialized costs and private benefits are the very definition of the tragedy of the commons.