Scientists and the news media are presenting ever more evidence of climate change. Governmnets cannot be expected to solve this problem. It is the responsibility of individuals to change their lifestyle to prevent further   damage.

　　What are your views?

　　Model Answer:

　　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. Simoultaneouslty, 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 behaviour 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 behaviour will succeed   in preventing further damage to the environment.