IELTS.WORK

IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of citizen activism in driving environmental policy changes

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1710864143

Writing Task 2 Topic: The role of citizen activism in driving environmental policy changes

Question: In what ways has citizen activism played a significant role in influencing the development and implementation of environmental policies in recent years, and how effective have these actions been in achieving tangible results for the environment?

Model Answer:

Citizen activism has become increasingly influential in driving environmental policy changes in recent years. This is primarily due to the growing awareness of the severity of environmental issues, such as climate change, deforestation and pollution. In this essay, we will explore two key ways through which citizen activism has played a significant role in shaping environmental policies: grassroots movements and lobbying. We will then evaluate the effectiveness of these actions in producing tangible results for the environment.

Firstly, grassroots movements have been instrumental in raising public awareness about environmental issues. For instance, events such as Earth Day, organized annually by the Earth Day Network, provide a platform for people from all walks of life to join together and express their concern for the environment. By amplifying the voice of the general public, these movements put pressure on governments and corporations to implement policies that address environmental concerns.

Secondly, citizen activism has also played a crucial role in lobbying for environmental policy changes. Through petitions, protests, and direct advocacy, activists have been able to influence decision-makers at various levels of government. For example, the extensive lobbying efforts of Greenpeace led to a significant reduction in the use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing processes, resulting in cleaner air and water for the general population.

While citizen activism has had considerable success in driving environmental policy changes, it is essential to examine its effectiveness in achieving tangible results for the environment. The passage of several key environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act in the United States, can be attributed, at least partially, to the efforts of citizen activists. Moreover, the increased public awareness generated by grassroots movements has led to a greater demand for eco-friendly products and sustainable practices, which have in turn encouraged corporations to adopt environmentally responsible policies.

However, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of citizen activism can be limited due to various factors. For example, political influence from powerful corporations and lobby groups may counterbalance the impact of activist movements. Additionally, the sheer scale of environmental issues requires long-term commitment and sustained action, which can be challenging for grassroots organizations with limited resources.

In conclusion, citizen activism has played a significant role in driving environmental policy changes by raising awareness through grassroots movements and lobbying governments and corporations. While there have been tangible results achieved due to these actions, the long-term sustainability of these policies depends on continued public engagement and pressure from activist groups.

Score: Overall Band Score: 8.5 / 9

Source: https://www.ielts.work/?id=1710864143&page=ielts-writing-practice

For more: https://www.ielts.work/?page=ielts-writing-practice