Academic Discussion · Set 3

Your professor is teaching a class on the environment. Write a post responding to the professor's question. Contribute your own opinion and reasons, and add to the discussion.

Professor Haruki: Some people believe that protecting the environment is mainly the responsibility of governments, while others believe individuals must change their own behavior. Which do you think matters more, and why?

Student (Lucia): I think individual action matters most. If millions of people reduce waste, save energy, and use less water, the combined effect is huge. For example, when my neighborhood started a recycling initiative, participation grew simply because people saw their neighbors doing it.

Student (Ben): I disagree. Individuals can only do so much; real change requires governments to pass laws and control big polluters. For example, no amount of individual recycling can offset the emissions of a single large factory that ignores environmental regulations.

Write a response of at least 100 words. State your position clearly, give reasons and an example, and refer to a classmate's point where relevant.