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Q1
Do you think individuals or corporations bear more responsibility for addressing climate change? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Useful Expressions
I believe... · Research consistently shows... · That said, · Without such frameworks...
Show Model Answer
While both individuals and corporations have a role to play in addressing climate change, I believe corporations bear the greater responsibility. Research consistently shows that a relatively small number of large companies are responsible for the overwhelming majority of global greenhouse gas emissions. Meaningful environmental progress therefore depends primarily on transforming industrial and energy systems, not on shifting individual consumption habits.
That said, the relationship between corporations and individuals is not one-directional. Consumer demand influences production decisions, and public pressure has historically been a powerful driver of corporate policy change. When consumers refuse to purchase products linked to deforestation or high carbon footprints, companies face market incentives to adapt.
However, placing the primary moral burden on individuals can be misleading, as it distracts from the structural changes needed at the policy and corporate level. Governments must establish binding regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms that make clean production economically rational. Without such frameworks, voluntary action from either individuals or companies is unlikely to deliver change at the necessary scale and speed.
That said, the relationship between corporations and individuals is not one-directional. Consumer demand influences production decisions, and public pressure has historically been a powerful driver of corporate policy change. When consumers refuse to purchase products linked to deforestation or high carbon footprints, companies face market incentives to adapt.
However, placing the primary moral burden on individuals can be misleading, as it distracts from the structural changes needed at the policy and corporate level. Governments must establish binding regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms that make clean production economically rational. Without such frameworks, voluntary action from either individuals or companies is unlikely to deliver change at the necessary scale and speed.
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