IELTS Discussion Essay on Nature & Government & Society

Opinions differ on who should be responsible for protecting the environment: the government or individuals. I personally believe that every person has a role to play in environmental conservation.

Those who think the government should take care of the environment have good reasons. They point out that the government has the resources and power to create and enforce large-scale environmental policies. For example, the government can regulate industrial pollution, which is a major source of environmental damage. They also argue that the government can change people's behavior through education and laws, like banning plastic bags to encourage greener habits.

However, I believe that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. My first point is that when everyone does a little bit, it adds up to a big difference. For example, if every home reduced their waste, it would significantly cut down on the amount of trash in landfills. My second point is that when people feel personally responsible for the environment, they're more likely to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. This could include recycling, composting, or using public transportation, all of which benefit the environment in the long run.

In conclusion, while the government does have a role to play in environmental conservation, I think the actions and choices of individuals can have a stronger impact. This is due to the combined effect of everyone's actions and the potential for people to make lasting changes to their lifestyles.

There exists a divergence of opinion on the subject of environmental conservation, with one faction arguing that it is the government's duty to safeguard the environment, while others contend that this responsibility falls on each individual. My personal stance aligns with the latter viewpoint, asserting the role of every citizen in environmental protection.

Those advocating for governmental intervention in environmental protection have their rationale. Firstly, they argue that the government, with its vast resources and regulatory power, is better equipped to implement large-scale environmental policies. This argument is not without merit, considering that the government can enforce laws to regulate industrial emissions, a major contributor to pollution. Secondly, they believe that the government can influence public behavior through educational campaigns and legislation. For instance, a government could introduce a plastic bag ban, thereby forcing citizens to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

However, despite the aforementioned arguments, I am inclined to support the view that environmental protection is a collective responsibility. My first argument is that individual actions, when accumulated, have a significant impact on the environment. To illustrate, if every household were to reduce their waste production, the cumulative effect would be a substantial decrease in landfill waste. My second argument is that fostering a sense of personal responsibility towards the environment can lead to more sustainable lifestyle choices. For example, individuals who feel personally accountable for the environment are more likely to adopt habits such as recycling, composting, and using public transportation, which have a long-term positive impact on the environment.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments supporting the government's role in environmental protection, I believe that the responsibility of each individual is more potent, given the cumulative effect of individual actions and the potential for sustainable lifestyle changes.