Task 2: Government should make people responsible for looking after their own local environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In contemporary discourse, there is a growing emphasis on individual responsibility for environmental stewardship, suggesting that governments should delegate the task of caring for the local environment to citizens. This essay will explore the extent to which I agree with this proposition.
Firstly, assigning responsibility to individuals for their local environment can foster a sense of ownership and accountability. When people are directly involved in the care and maintenance of their surroundings, they develop a deeper appreciation for the environment’s value and are more likely to take proactive measures to protect it. This bottom-up approach can lead to a more sustainable and resilient community, where individuals actively participate in waste reduction, conservation efforts, and pollution control. For example, a neighborhood association may implement a community garden where residents are responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining the plants. As a result, residents feel a sense of pride in their shared space and work together to ensure the garden thrives, leading to increased community cohesion and environmental stewardship.
However, solely relying on individual responsibility may not suffice to address complex environmental challenges comprehensively. While citizens can play a significant role in environmental conservation, government intervention and support are essential to enact systemic changes and provide necessary resources. Policies such as environmental regulations, incentives for eco-friendly practices, and investment in infrastructure are crucial for creating an enabling environment for sustainable development. For example, in a city facing water scarcity issues, individual efforts like reducing water usage at home can help conserve resources.
In conclusion, while individuals should indeed be encouraged to take responsibility for their local environment, governmental involvement remains indispensable in addressing broader environmental issues. A collaborative approach, where governments empower and support citizens while also implementing effective policies, is key to achieving meaningful and lasting environmental progress.
stewardship (n): sự quản lý, sự bảo vệ
accountability (n): sự chịu trách nhiệm
proactive (adj): chủ động, tích cực
resilience (n): sự đàn hồi, sự kiên cường
waste reduction: giảm lượng rác thải
conservation (n): sự bảo tồn, sự bảo vệ
pollution control: kiểm soát ô nhiễm
systemic changes: các thay đổi hệ thống, toàn diện
incentives (n): động cơ, khuyến khích
infrastructure (n): cơ sở hạ tầng
