To Solve the Ever-Increasing Environmental Hazards throughout the World - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

Sample Essay 1

Rising environmental degradation is often linked to the widespread use of fossil fuels, leading some to argue that elevating fuel prices is the most effective deterrent. While this approach may appear logical at first glance, I firmly believe that it is a flawed solution. Rather than merely increasing fuel prices, comprehensive strategies involving innovation, regulatory reform, and public awareness are far more effective. This essay will explore how fuel price hikes disproportionately affect the poor and why systemic change is more impactful in mitigating environmental harm.

Increasing fuel prices might reduce consumption temporarily, but it largely penalizes low-income groups who rely on fuel for daily survival. In developing nations, public transport and small-scale agricultural machinery are essential for the working class. A rise in fuel cost would raise transport fares and food prices, worsening inequality and poverty. Wealthier individuals and corporations, who contribute significantly to carbon emissions through private transportation and industrial operations, can usually absorb the increased cost without changing consumption patterns. Therefore, this measure fails to address the core contributors to environmental hazards. A more equitable alternative would be subsidizing green technology for low-income households and encouraging mass transit infrastructure to reduce dependence on private vehicles.

Addressing environmental issues requires structural changes that fuel pricing alone cannot achieve. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, enforcing stricter emission regulations, and incentivizing sustainable corporate practices offer a far more comprehensive solution. Countries like Sweden have significantly reduced emissions by investing in clean energy and implementing carbon taxes targeted at industries, rather than the general population. Education campaigns that foster eco-conscious habits—like reduced plastic use, responsible consumption, and recycling—also play a crucial role. These approaches not only tackle the problem at its root but also promote long-term behavioural change, which is essential for sustainable progress. Unlike fuel price hikes, these reforms create a balance between environmental responsibility and socio-economic fairness.

To conclude, although increasing fuel prices might yield limited environmental benefits, it is neither the most effective nor the fairest method. A multifaceted approach that prioritizes structural reform and inclusive environmental policies offers a more sustainable and just solution to the global environmental crisis.

Achieve your dream score with our detailed IELTS eBooks - your complete guide!

Get our comprehensive IELTS Essay Correction Service from a real examiner!

Sample Essay 2

Amid escalating ecological degradation, many argue that raising fuel prices may offer a pragmatic path to curbing environmental harm. I strongly support this proposition, as increased fuel costs can significantly reduce carbon-intensive behavior and accelerate the transition to greener technologies. This essay will examine how pricing mechanisms can reshape consumer choices and stimulate systemic innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

First and foremost, higher fuel prices act as a direct deterrent to environmentally harmful consumption patterns. When fuel becomes more expensive, individuals and businesses are compelled to reconsider their reliance on private vehicles and inefficient logistics. For instance, the sharp rise in petrol prices in Norway led to a surge in public transport usage and a notable reduction in vehicle emissions. By targeting the root of the problem—unchecked fossil fuel consumption—governments can nudge citizens toward cleaner alternatives such as electric vehicles, bicycles, and shared transportation. Moreover, price hikes can discourage unnecessary travel and over-reliance on personal cars, especially in urban areas plagued by congestion and pollution. Unlike voluntary eco-friendly initiatives, price signals leave little room for complacency and bring about tangible behavioral shifts.

Equally crucial is the role of elevated fuel costs in catalyzing innovation and investment in green technology. As fossil fuels become economically burdensome, markets naturally shift toward sustainable alternatives. Germany’s aggressive adoption of solar and wind energy, partly driven by high fuel taxes, illustrates how fiscal policies can foster a greener economy. Increased fuel prices make previously unattractive clean energy projects financially viable, encouraging research, development, and scaling of low-emission technologies. Businesses facing higher operational costs are more likely to seek efficiency and adopt cleaner production methods, reducing their carbon footprint. This economic pressure, when supported by transparent governance and reinvestment of fuel tax revenues into green infrastructure, can transform environmental policy from passive regulation to proactive transformation.

In conclusion, raising fuel prices is not only an effective strategy to modify individual consumption but also a powerful economic lever for promoting sustainability. Through behavioral incentives and innovation-driven pressure, this approach offers a direct and scalable solution to global environmental hazards.

Achieve your dream score with our detailed IELTS eBooks - your complete guide!