Many believe that environmental problems should be solved by governments rather than individuals. Do you agree or disagree?

BAND 7 – AGREE

Many people argue that only governments can effectively deal with environmental issues, and I agree with this view. While individual efforts are valuable, large-scale problems require organised solutions that only authorities can provide.

Firstly, governments have the power to create laws and regulations. For example, they can ban single-use plastics, set limits on industrial pollution, and invest in renewable energy. These actions have a much bigger impact than what a single person can do.

Secondly, environmental issues often need huge amounts of money and resources. Projects like building solar power plants, improving waste management, or protecting forests cannot be carried out by individuals alone. Government funding and planning are essential for such initiatives.

Although personal choices like recycling or using public transport are helpful, they are not enough to solve global problems such as climate change. Without government involvement, individual efforts remain too small to create real change.

In conclusion, while individuals can play a role, I believe governments must take the lead in addressing environmental challenges because they have the authority, resources, and responsibility to protect the planet.

BAND 7 – DISAGREE

Some people believe that governments alone should solve environmental problems, but I disagree. I think both individuals and governments share responsibility, and personal actions are equally important.

Individuals can make a big difference through daily choices. For example, reducing plastic use, conserving water, and recycling waste are small steps that, when done by millions of people, can bring significant results. If individuals ignore their responsibility, government policies will have little effect.

Moreover, individuals influence social attitudes. When people choose eco-friendly lifestyles, they encourage businesses to adopt greener practices. For instance, the growing demand for electric cars and organic products shows how individual choices can push industries to become more sustainable.

Of course, governments play a major role in enforcing laws and providing infrastructure. However, their efforts may fail if citizens do not cooperate. For example, recycling programs only work when people actively separate their waste.

In conclusion, I disagree that environmental protection should be left only to governments. Real progress requires joint action where individuals take responsibility alongside government measures.

BAND 8 – AGREE

It is often argued that environmental challenges should be addressed primarily by governments rather than individuals. I agree with this statement because the scale and complexity of these problems require political authority, large-scale funding, and international cooperation.

One key reason is that governments have the power to regulate industries, which are the largest contributors to pollution and climate change. For instance, strict laws on carbon emissions or deforestation can only be enforced by authorities, not private citizens. Without government intervention, companies may prioritise profit over sustainability.

Another point is the financial aspect of environmental protection. Initiatives such as renewable energy projects, public transportation networks, and waste management systems demand billions in investment. Individual actions, like recycling or cycling to work, are positive but cannot replace the massive infrastructure needed to address global warming or resource depletion.

Finally, many environmental issues cross national borders, such as air pollution, ocean plastic, and climate change. These require international agreements and cooperation, which only governments can negotiate and enforce. Individuals alone lack the power to create such global policies.

In conclusion, while personal responsibility is important, I strongly believe governments must lead the fight against environmental problems. Their ability to legislate, finance, and coordinate at both national and international levels makes them the most effective actors in this field.

BAND 8 – DISAGREE

Some argue that governments should bear the sole responsibility for solving environmental problems, but I disagree. In my view, while governments are crucial, individual action is equally significant and often the foundation of long-term change.

Firstly, individuals collectively create demand for environmentally harmful products. If citizens choose sustainable alternatives, industries are forced to adapt. For example, the popularity of reusable bags and electric vehicles arose largely from consumer choices, which then pushed governments and companies to invest in greener technologies.

Secondly, environmental protection begins at the local and personal level. Everyday behaviours such as conserving energy, reducing plastic waste, and using eco-friendly transport may seem small, but when multiplied across millions of households, the impact is substantial. Government policies alone cannot succeed without public cooperation.

Moreover, individuals influence political decisions. Through activism, voting, and raising awareness, citizens pressure governments to adopt greener policies. The rise of climate movements led by young people demonstrates how grassroots action can drive national and even global agendas.

In conclusion, although governments play an essential role, I disagree that they should act alone. True environmental progress relies on the shared responsibility of both authorities and individuals, with personal choices serving as the driving force for lasting change.