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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is carbon trading an effective strategy reducing emissions?

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Task: "Is carbon trading an effective strategy for reducing emissions?"

Model Answer:

In recent years, the issue of global warming has become a matter of great concern due to the increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions. One potential solution that has been proposed is carbon trading, where companies or countries can trade their emission allowances to help reduce overall emissions. This essay will examine whether carbon trading is an effective strategy for reducing emissions by assessing its potential benefits and drawbacks.

On one hand, carbon trading offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a market-based approach to environmental regulation that allows the market to determine the most cost-effective ways of reducing emissions. This flexibility can result in lower overall costs for businesses, as they can choose from a variety of options to meet their emission reduction targets. Additionally, carbon trading can stimulate innovation and investment in low-carbon technologies, as companies are incentivized to find cheaper and more efficient methods of reducing emissions. Lastly, it has the potential to create a global consensus on climate change by engaging countries with different economic systems and levels of development.

On the other hand, there are also several drawbacks that need to be considered. One major concern is that carbon trading may not result in significant emission reductions if companies simply purchase allowances rather than making substantial changes to their operations. This is particularly true if the cap on emissions is set too high or is not regularly adjusted according to the progress made in reducing emissions. Furthermore, carbon trading can lead to a phenomenon known as "hot air," where countries with declining industries sell their surplus emission allowances instead of investing in cleaner technologies. Finally, there are concerns that carbon trading may not be equitable, as it places the burden of reducing emissions on those who are least able to afford the necessary changes.

In conclusion, while carbon trading offers several potential benefits in terms of cost savings, stimulating innovation, and creating a global consensus on climate change, its effectiveness in reducing emissions is dependent on various factors such as the stringency of emission caps, the flexibility of the market, and the overall commitment to environmental goals. As a result, it is important to monitor and evaluate the progress made under carbon trading schemes to ensure that they are indeed contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall Score: Band 7.5 (The essay provides a detailed examination of the topic, including an analysis of its potential benefits and drawbacks. However, it could be improved by providing more specific examples or evidence to support the arguments made.)

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