The Role of Public Policy in Climate Action

Public policy plays a crucial role in addressing climate change, a topic that is increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. The frequency of climate-related topics highlights the importance of candidates being well-prepared to discuss various aspects of this global issue. In this piece, we will explore the role of public policy in climate action and create a sample IELTS Writing Task 2 essay on this topic.

Sample Task Prompts

1. “Some people believe that tackling climate change requires global collaboration and coordination. Others argue that individual countries should formulate their policies independently. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
2. “Effective climate action is driven primarily by government legislation rather than individual efforts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
3. “Public policy is essential for successful climate action. Discuss the main areas where public policy can make a significant impact on combating climate change.”

We will choose the second prompt for our sample essay.

Main Content

Choosing a Prompt

Selected Prompt:
Effective climate action is driven primarily by government legislation rather than individual efforts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Prompt

This prompt requires you to evaluate the importance of government legislation in climate action compared to individual efforts. Your task is to discuss various aspects of the issue, present arguments for and against, and state your opinion clearly.

Sample Essay

Effective climate action is driven primarily by government legislation rather than individual efforts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In recent years, climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, demanding immediate and effective responses. While individual actions to reduce carbon footprints are commendable, I strongly believe that government legislation plays a far more critical role in driving substantial climate action.

Primarily, national and international policies provide the framework within which climate action can be systematically addressed. Government legislation sets binding targets for carbon emissions and energy usage, ensuring that all sectors adhere to standards that mitigate environmental impact. For example, the Paris Agreement, an international accord endorsed by numerous countries, concretely lays out global targets for emissions reductions, compelling member nations to implement policies that align with these objectives.

Moreover, government intervention can mobilize resources on a scale that individual efforts simply cannot match. Large-scale investments in renewable energy infrastructure, public transportation systems, and research and development in sustainable technologies necessitate funding and coordination that only governments can provide. In Germany, for instance, the Energiewende policy has driven substantial investments in wind and solar power, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy Sources

While the role of individuals should not be undervalued, as collective small actions can lead to a significant impact, the overall effectiveness of such measures remains limited without supportive public policy. Personal habits like recycling, conserving water, or using energy-efficient appliances, though vital, do not address the structural changes required to combat climate change comprehensively.

Furthermore, legislation can influence corporate behavior through regulations and incentives. Policies such as carbon pricing or emissions trading systems hold companies accountable for their environmental impact, driving them to innovate and reduce their carbon footprints. For instance, California’s cap-and-trade program has been instrumental in lowering greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth through job creation in the green energy sector.

In conclusion, while individual initiatives are essential in fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, I contend that the primary driver of effective climate action is robust government legislation. Through comprehensive policy frameworks and resource mobilization, governments are uniquely positioned to implement the extensive changes needed to address climate change on a global scale.

Word count: 354

Considerations When Writing

1. Clarity and Coherence: Ensure that your essay flows logically. Each paragraph should connect seamlessly with the next, supporting your thesis.
2. Task Response: Address all parts of the prompt. Provide a balanced discussion and state your opinion clearly.
3. Lexical Resource: Use a range of vocabulary related to climate change and public policy. Examples include terms like “carbon emissions,” “renewable energy,” and “carbon pricing.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Vary sentence structures and use grammatical constructs accurately. Ensure there are no errors in subject-verb agreement, tense usage, or punctuation.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Legislation (n.) /ˌlɛdʒɪsˈleɪʃən/: Laws, considered collectively.
2. Mitigate (v.) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
3. Accord (n.) /əˈkɔːd/: An official agreement or treaty.
4. Mobilize (v.) /ˈməʊbɪlaɪz/: To organize and encourage people to act in a concerted way.
5. Incentive (n.) /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/: A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
6. Regulation (n.) /ˌrɛɡjuˈleɪʃən/: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
7. Emissions (n.) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
8. Sustainable (adj.) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
9. Fossil Fuels (n.) /ˈfɒsəl fjʊəlz/: Natural fuels such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
10. Cap-and-Trade (n.) /ˈkæp ənd treɪd/: A system for controlling carbon emissions and other forms of atmospheric pollution by which a limit is set on the amount a given business or other organization may produce.

Conclusion

In summary, public policy is indispensable in combating climate change. Effective legislation, resource mobilization, and corporate regulations are central to achieving significant environmental impacts. As you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2, focus on presenting well-structured arguments and using a rich vocabulary related to the topic. To further enhance your skills, consider practicing with the other prompts provided in this lesson.