Recently scientists worried about climate change have urged governments to introduce
measures to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are seen as its main cause.
Simultaneously, politicians and environmentalists have urged individuals to make changes
to their lifestyle. I shall argue that governments and individuals should take join
responsibility for this problem.
Firstly, industry accounts for a large proportion of the greenhouse gas emissions, and this
can only be controlled by government action. Measures could be taken to discourage
pollution, such as limiting or taxing the use of fossil fuels. Alternatively, subsidies could be
offered to industries to clean up their production processes. If these ideas were adopted, I
believe that businesses would regard pollution as a financial issue.
Secondly, only discussion between governments can ensure that solutions are successful.
The Kyoto agreement, for example, tried to reach global agreement on how to address the
problem. Without such co-operating, it seems to me that efforts to reduce fuel consumption
are unlikely to be effective.
However, national and international policies will only succeed if individuals also change
their lifestyle. For example, people could think more carefully about how they use energy in
their homes. By using less electricity, installing energy-efficient light bulbs and electrical
appliances, or investing in solar panels, individuals can make a real difference.
In addition, I think individual attitudes to transport need to change. Instead of making short
tips by car, people could choose to walk, cycle, or take a bus. Since cars are a major source
of the problem, changing our behavior in this area would have a major impact.
In conclusion, I would maintain that only a combination of international agreement, national
policies, and changes in individual behavior will succeed in preventing further damage to the
environment