Global “tragedy of the commons” -  Analogies between climate change and AMR:
 
The recently published Science review titled “The challenge of antimicrobial resistance: What economics can contribute” highlights that the economics of climate change could be applied to the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), helping reduce the 10 million deaths autributed to AMR that are predicted by 2050.
 
The challenges presented by AMR and climate change are very similar, with the consumption of both antibiotics and carbon providing valuable short-term benefits but imposing longer-term costs. Additionally, the adverse consequences could be believed to affect only future generations, so there is little incentive to change behaviours today. This is further exacerbated with the idea that these future adverse consequences are going to require many other individuals, organisations and states implement substantial changes before any real effect will be seen.
 
Co-author Professor Richard Smith at the University of Exeter added: “If the cost of antibiotics increases, via taxation or quotas, it will be vital to develop mechanisms to reduce the risk that they will only be taken by those who can afford them. Future research must consider ways to reduce overall antibiotic consumption without restricting essential access. There is an opportunity for economists across many fields to engage with this pressing global problem.” Read more here and here.

Laurence S.J. Roope et al. The challenge of antimicrobial resistance: What economics can contribute, Science (2019) DOI: 10.1126/science.aau4679