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Environmental Problems That Today's World Is Facing Are So Great That There Is Little Ordinary People Can Do to Improve the Situation - Task 2 Band 9 Essay


Environmental Problems That Today's World Is Facing Are So Great That There Is Little Ordinary People Can Do to Improve the Situation - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

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Sample Essay 1

The growing environmental challenges of today have led many to believe that individuals have limited power to create meaningful change, and that larger entities, such as governments and corporations, should bear the responsibility. I strongly disagree with this notion. While institutional efforts are crucial, individual actions also play a pivotal role in environmental preservation. This essay will discuss how the collective actions of ordinary people can make a significant difference, alongside the indispensable role of governments and large organizations.


Firstly, the cumulative effect of individual actions should not be underestimated, as even small changes can lead to transformative outcomes. When large numbers of people adopt environmentally conscious habits, such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, and cutting down on energy consumption, the overall environmental footprint can be significantly reduced. A notable example is the global movement towards reducing single-use plastics, which began with widespread individual efforts. These actions not only lessened plastic waste but also created pressure on corporations and policymakers to implement stricter regulations and alternative packaging solutions. This highlights that grassroots efforts, when amplified across communities and nations, have the potential to influence policy, drive corporate responsibility, and shift public behavior towards a more sustainable future.


However, it is undeniable that governments and large organizations hold the power to implement large-scale solutions that individuals alone cannot achieve, particularly in industries where systemic changes are needed. Governments can regulate industries, enforce stringent environmental laws, and incentivize green technologies that address issues such as carbon emissions and deforestation. For instance, government-led initiatives such as carbon taxes, renewable energy subsidies, and stricter environmental regulations on industrial waste are indispensable in tackling global environmental problems. Without such large-scale interventions, individual efforts could be easily undermined by unchecked industrial pollution. Furthermore, corporations, with their vast resources, are in a unique position to drive innovation in sustainable technologies and promote corporate social responsibility initiatives, which can accelerate the transition to a greener economy. Their role in reshaping consumer markets and supply chains is vital for long-term environmental sustainability.


In conclusion, while it is true that governments and large organizations are essential in combating environmental issues, the contributions of individuals are equally significant. Collective personal efforts can drive societal shifts and influence larger entities to take action. Therefore, addressing environmental problems requires a joint approach, where both individuals and institutions work hand in hand to achieve long-term sustainability.


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Sample Essay 2

The environmental crisis faced by the world today is indeed overwhelming, and many believe that individual efforts are insufficient to bring about significant change. I completely agree that the responsibility to address these issues lies primarily with governments and large organizations. This essay will explore how these powerful entities have the capacity to implement wide-reaching reforms and why individual actions, although well-intentioned, are often inadequate in tackling global environmental challenges.


Governments hold unparalleled authority to enact laws and regulations that can address environmental degradation on a national and global scale. They have the power to implement policies that regulate industries, reduce carbon emissions, and protect natural resources. For example, government-imposed bans on deforestation, or international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord, can significantly mitigate environmental damage. Without such authoritative measures, industries may continue to exploit natural resources irresponsibly, resulting in irreversible harm. Governments can also allocate resources toward the development of renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, areas where individual contributions would have minimal impact. Therefore, to effect meaningful change, large-scale governmental intervention is indispensable.


Similarly, large corporations and organizations are uniquely positioned to make impactful changes because of their global reach and financial resources. Industries contribute heavily to environmental damage through pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion. However, corporations have the financial capacity to invest in sustainable practices, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, developing eco-friendly products, and reducing waste. For instance, some companies have already made strides by embracing carbon-neutral goals, influencing their entire supply chain to follow suit. While individuals may reduce their personal waste or energy consumption, these efforts pale in comparison to the wide-scale influence and capabilities of large organizations, which can create ripple effects across industries and markets.


In conclusion, while individual actions can raise awareness, the real responsibility for mitigating environmental damage rests on governments and corporations. Through their unique power and resources, they can implement large-scale solutions that are essential for addressing the urgent environmental challenges of today.


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Sample Essay 3

Many believe that addressing today’s environmental problems is beyond the capacity of ordinary individuals, and that governments and large organizations should bear the sole responsibility. I strongly disagree with this view. While institutional efforts are essential, individuals have a crucial role in reducing environmental damage. This essay will explore how small personal actions can collectively make a significant difference and how grassroots movements can pressure larger entities to take action.


To begin with, the power of collective individual action cannot be ignored. When millions of people make small changes in their daily habits, the overall impact on the environment can be substantial. For example, lifestyle changes such as reducing car usage, adopting sustainable diets, and minimizing waste all contribute to lower carbon footprints. A movement towards plant-based diets, for instance, has gained considerable momentum, significantly reducing demand for resource-heavy meat production. These individual efforts not only directly reduce environmental harm but also influence market trends, encouraging businesses to adapt and offer more sustainable options. Thus, individual contributions are key in driving societal and economic shifts toward sustainability.


Moreover, individuals play an instrumental role in creating social pressure that forces governments and corporations to act. History has shown that grassroots movements can effectively bring about environmental reforms. For instance, the global climate strikes led by young activists have spurred international conversations and influenced policy changes in numerous countries. Similarly, widespread public support for cleaner energy sources has encouraged governments to invest in renewable technologies and phase out harmful fossil fuels. Individuals, by raising awareness and mobilizing others, have the power to initiate large-scale societal changes that no single institution can accomplish alone. Thus, ordinary people are critical in holding larger entities accountable and pushing for more ambitious environmental policies.


In conclusion, while the role of governments and organizations is important, individuals must also take responsibility for the environment. Personal actions and grassroots movements create meaningful change and are essential for addressing the world’s environmental challenges. Both parties must work together to ensure a sustainable future.


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