[Discussion] The necessity of individual action in addressing environmental challenges

Some people think that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve. Others, however, believe that these problems cannot be solved if individuals do not take actions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Too big for individuals:

There are many things which needs government intervention:

Big things like switching to renewable energy sources for power generation instead of using coal power plant, making sure factories follow strict environmental guidelines, prompting the switch to sustainable everyday products like electric vehicles or paper bags.

However, many of the aforementioned things can be influenced by the response of citizens 

People can start installing solar power plants to their own home. In fact, they have been a common sight for Germans for many years as these home systems produce a surplus of energy and are pumping back to the national grid. Furthermore, many environmentalists are banding up together to oppose corporates dumping waste into their natural environment through protests and gathering. The consumer plays an important role in choosing the type of products they wish to see more of, as manufacturers cannot force things such as electric vehicles or paper bags onto them without their consent. They dictate the market. 

People’s views differ whether environmental issues would be too much of a responsiblity for individuals to bear. While many are of the opinion that it would be impossible for environmental problems to be solved by a regular person, I strongly believe that these challenges would never go away if individuals choose to stand on the sideline.

On the one hand, it is understandable why many think problems affecting our environment would be too overwhelming for an average person. Proponents of this argument generally believe that major changes such as switching to renewable energy sources from fossil fuel power plants require governmental intervention. Afterall, only the government has the resources and the capability to impose new regulations on energy production. Furthermore, the authorities play a major role in ensuring manufacturers follow strict environmental guidelines so as to generate less emission. As well as that, only companies can make modifications to their production line to make more sustainable products using material such as paper, cardboard or glass. 

Nevertheless, I believe the general public has the power to make a difference. Taking Germany as an example, it is now commonplace for private homes to install solar panels, which are not only efficient enough to support domestic usage during summer months, but also generate sufficient surplus amounts to be pumped back into the national grid, rendering coal power plants redundant. Furthermore, many environmentalists worldwide are banding up together to oppose corporates dumping waste into their natural environment through protests and gathering. Finally, if consumers wish for more electric cars, paper bags or glass bottles in place of plastic, then businesses have no choice but to appease them, in fear of losing their livelihood. 

In conclusion, although some believe that environmental problems are too overwhelming for an average person, I would argue that the solutions to our environmental issues lie in the hand of individuals.