Write an essay (250 words) on the following topic:

“Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment; only governments and large companies can make a difference.” To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Suggested essay:

Environmental protection has undoubtedly become a major challenge facing the world nowadays. Some people think that only governments and huge organizations are capable of preserving the environment; whilst individuals play no important role. Nevertheless, I personally think that every single citizen could also make a great contribution to the global environment.

To begin with, it is obvious that the most powerful impact on the environment throughout history primarily comes from human activities. We have extensively cultivated and polluted the surroundings for our benefit since the dawn of mankind, thus every one of us needs to be responsible for our actions. No single government or conglomerate can solve the issue alone as environmental conservation is a long-term process which involves mutual cooperation and shared responsibility.

On the one hand, it cannot be denied that governments and big companies have considerable authorities and resources to help enhance the environment. Particularly, governments can introduce policies to raise public's low-carbon awareness; and impose stiff penalties on environmental offenders and criminals. In addition, large corporations can invest in renewable energy and develop eco-friendly products to change the public's consuming habits.

However, all aforementioned activities need citizens' appreciation and support in order to create successful outcomes. Indeed, the public’s wills and behaviors have crucial influence on governments’ policies and companies’ strategies. For example, if everyone is highly aware of environmental protection by practicing simple actions such as reducing, reusing, and recycling, or merely saying no to plastic bags, the governments can retain national budgets for further significant environmental fortification; as well as the companies might have to adopt greener methods of production to survive in the market. Moreover, individuals can choose to use more public transports instead of private vehicles to help diminish gas emissions which are the main culprit of air pollution.

In conclusion, besides governments and organizations which have liability for environmental conservation, each individual in society should also be obligated to put in their effort to preserve and protect the Mother Nature for their own sake.