This paper compares Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) by over viewing various aspects answering the question of whether there is a relation between economic growth, tourism and environmental conditions of a country. First, we review the literature concerning the tragedy of common resources by analysing and criticizing Hardin article “The tragedy of the commons”. The literature emphasises on the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and how that affects the country common resources in each country. Last but not least, a comparison between the five countries of BRICS by overlooking the economic position, importance of tourism, role of tourism and the major environmental issues of each country and their consequences. It was concluded that all the countries in BRICS are showing positive economic growth and tourism plays a role in that and it is predicated that they will have a massive economic power over the world, however the countries suffer from vital environmental issues. India, China and South Africa are the lowest three countries in BRICS in terms of environmental quality and pollution.

BRICS, Economic Position, Tourism, Environmental Position