Climate change is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent exam trends and the increasing urgency of environmental concerns, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a question about the Importance Of Global Cooperation In Addressing Climate Change. Let’s explore this topic in depth and prepare you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
For this essay, we’ll focus on a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that global cooperation is crucial to address climate change, while others think individual countries should be responsible for their own environmental policies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change
- Consider the perspective of individual country responsibility
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses all aspects of the question:
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today, and there is ongoing debate about the best approach to tackle this global challenge. While some argue that international cooperation is essential, others believe that individual nations should bear the responsibility for their own environmental policies. In my opinion, a combination of both global collaboration and national initiatives is crucial for effectively combating climate change.
Those who advocate for global cooperation argue that climate change is a transboundary problem that requires a unified response. They contend that greenhouse gas emissions from one country affect the entire planet, making it impossible for any single nation to address the issue in isolation. International agreements like the Paris Agreement demonstrate the potential of collective action in setting common goals and sharing resources to mitigate climate change. Moreover, global cooperation allows for the transfer of technology and expertise from developed to developing countries, enabling a more equitable and effective response to environmental challenges.
On the other hand, proponents of individual country responsibility argue that each nation has unique environmental circumstances and economic priorities. They believe that allowing countries to develop their own policies ensures that climate action is tailored to local conditions and is more likely to be implemented effectively. Furthermore, this approach may foster innovation and competition among nations to develop the most efficient environmental solutions. Countries like Costa Rica and Sweden have made significant progress in reducing their carbon footprint through national initiatives, setting examples for others to follow.
In my view, the most effective approach to addressing climate change involves a combination of global cooperation and individual country responsibility. While international agreements provide a framework for collective action and shared goals, it is ultimately up to individual nations to implement and enforce these policies within their borders. Global cooperation can facilitate the sharing of resources, technology, and best practices, while national initiatives ensure that these efforts are adapted to local contexts and effectively implemented.
To illustrate this balanced approach, we can look at the success of the Montreal Protocol in addressing ozone depletion. This international treaty set global targets for phasing out ozone-depleting substances, but it was the individual efforts of countries in implementing and enforcing these regulations that led to its success. Similarly, in addressing climate change, we need both global commitments and national actions to achieve meaningful results.
In conclusion, while both global cooperation and individual country responsibility have their merits in addressing climate change, I believe that a combination of the two approaches is essential. By working together on a global scale while also taking responsibility for national actions, we can create a more comprehensive and effective strategy to combat one of the most significant challenges of our time.
Global cooperation in climate change
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Climate change is a big problem in the world today, and people have different ideas about how to solve it. Some think that countries should work together, while others believe each country should be responsible for its own environmental rules. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Many people say that global cooperation is important for dealing with climate change. They think this because the problem affects everyone, not just one country. When countries work together, they can share ideas and help each other. For example, the Paris Agreement is a big international deal where many countries promised to reduce pollution. This kind of teamwork can make a big difference in fighting climate change.
On the other hand, some people believe that each country should be responsible for its own environmental policies. They think this is better because every country has different problems and different ways of doing things. If countries make their own rules, they can focus on what works best for them. Some countries, like Germany, have done a good job of using more clean energy on their own.
In my opinion, I think both global cooperation and individual country responsibility are important. Countries need to work together because climate change is a big problem that affects everyone. But each country also needs to do its part and make rules that work for its own situation. By doing both, we have a better chance of solving the climate change problem.
To make this work, countries could agree on big goals together, like reducing pollution by a certain amount. Then, each country could decide how to reach those goals in their own way. This would combine the benefits of working together and being responsible for your own actions.
In conclusion, while there are good points for both global cooperation and individual country responsibility, I believe a mix of both is the best way to address climate change. By working together and also taking individual action, countries can make a real difference in protecting our planet.
Key Considerations When Writing
When discussing the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change, keep these points in mind:
-
Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a more sophisticated structure with well-developed arguments, while the Band 6-7 essay has a simpler structure but still covers all parts of the question.
-
Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to climate change and international cooperation. The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas.
-
Grammar: Aim for a mix of simple and complex sentences. The Band 8-9 essay showcases a wider range of grammatical structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
-
Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated cohesion, while the Band 6-7 essay uses basic linking words but still maintains logical flow.
-
Task Response: Make sure to address all parts of the question and provide your own opinion. Both essays do this, but the Band 8-9 essay offers more detailed and nuanced arguments.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms to remember when writing about this topic:
-
Global cooperation (noun): Worldwide collaboration
/ˈɡləʊbəl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ -
Climate change (noun): Long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns
/ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ -
Mitigation (noun): The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something
/ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ -
Transboundary (adjective): Crossing or extending beyond national boundaries
/trænzˈbaʊndəri/ -
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase): The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
/ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ -
Sustainable development (noun phrase): Economic development conducted without depletion of natural resources
/səˈsteɪnəbəl dɪˈveləpmənt/ -
Carbon footprint (noun): The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
/ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ -
Renewable energy (noun phrase): Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
/rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/
In conclusion, the topic of global cooperation in addressing climate change is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as international environmental agreements, the role of developed vs. developing countries in climate action, and the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!
