Who should solve environmental problems?

Environmental problems such as air pollution and climate change affect everyone. Some people believe that only governments can solve them, while others think that individuals must take action. In my opinion, both are needed, but governments have the larger part to play.

Those who favour government action point out that many causes of damage are beyond the control of one person. A family cannot decide how electricity is produced, whether a city has a good bus service or how factories dispose of their waste. Only governments can pass laws, set standards and spend public money on large projects such as clean power stations and railways. Without such rules, businesses that pollute can sell their goods at lower prices than those that do not, so honest firms lose.

On the other hand, individuals matter too. A government can write the best laws, but they will have little effect if citizens throw rubbish in the street or waste water and energy. Small choices add up, because millions of people who switch off lights, share cars or avoid single-use plastic can reduce demand for energy and goods that harm the environment. People who change their habits also send a message to politicians that the public cares, which makes new policies easier to pass.

In conclusion, the two views are not opposed to each other. Governments must create the framework of laws, taxes and services, and individuals must use it and ask for more. Since governments have greater power and resources, I believe that they should lead, but without the support of citizens they cannot succeed.

Why it works

• Both views get a paragraph of similar length, and the opinion appears in the introduction and the conclusion.
• Each paragraph has one main idea, with an explanation and an example.
• Linking phrases such as on the other hand and in conclusion show the structure.