“The environment” essay
Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can governments
do to address these problems? What can individual people do?
Humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also take steps
to reduce the
damage that we are causing to the planet. This essay will discuss environmental problems and the
measures that governments and individuals can take to address these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions from factories
and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have a devastating effect on the
planet in the future. As the human population increases, we are also producing ever greater quantities of
waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They could introduce laws to limit
emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable energy
from solar, wind or water power.
They could also impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline companies. In this way, people would be
encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions.
Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment. They can take
public transport rather than driving, choose products with
less packaging, and recycle as much as
possible. Most supermarkets now provide reusable bags for shoppers as well as ‘banks’ for recycling
glass, plastic and paper in their car parks. By reusing and recycling, we can help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in looking after the
environment.
(250 words, band 9)
