Strict environmental laws: IELTS essay ideas

Some people believe that governments should pass strict laws to protect the environment because individuals cannot be trusted to change their behaviour. I largely agree, although individual responsibility still matters.

The strongest argument for legislation is that voluntary action has not been enough. Many people care about the environment in principle, but they continue to choose the cheapest or most convenient option, whether that means driving to work or buying products with excessive packaging. Companies face the same temptation, as polluting is often cheaper than installing clean technology. Laws change this by setting rules that everyone must follow, so that responsible people and businesses are not at a disadvantage compared with those who ignore the problem. The results can be dramatic. Bans on chemicals that damaged the ozone layer, agreed internationally, have allowed the ozone layer to begin to recover, and the charge on plastic bags in many countries cut their use by huge percentages almost overnight. Laws also deal with polluters whose actions affect people far away, such as factories that contaminate rivers.

Nevertheless, laws alone are not sufficient. They need public support to be accepted and enforced, and many environmental benefits come from daily choices about energy, transport and waste. Education and awareness campaigns encourage citizens to see why the rules exist, and incentives such as subsidies for solar panels or recycling schemes make better behaviour easier and more attractive. Individuals can also pressure companies and politicians by choosing greener products and voting for stronger policies.

In conclusion, strict government laws are necessary because voluntary action is too inconsistent, but they work best when combined with education and incentives that encourage individuals to take responsibility. I therefore agree with the statement to a great extent.