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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of consumerism in driving environmental degradation

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Topic: The role of consumerism in driving environmental degradation

Writing Task 2 Question:
"Consumerism is a major factor in the acceleration of environmental degradation." How far do you agree with this statement, and what are some ways in which consumerism contributes to environmental problems?

Model Answer:
Consumerism, or the culture of buying and consuming goods and services at an accelerated rate, has become a significant factor in driving environmental degradation. While it is true that there are other factors such as industrialization, urbanization, and deforestation that contribute to environmental problems, consumerism plays a crucial role in exacerbating these issues. In this essay, I will discuss the ways in which consumerism contributes to environmental degradation, and assess the extent to which it is responsible for these problems.

Firstly, consumerism drives the demand for natural resources, which leads to overexploitation and depletion of these resources. As consumers continue to buy products with high resource content, companies are pressured to produce goods at a faster rate, leading to increased mining and extraction activities. This results in deforestation, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity, all of which contribute to environmental degradation.

Secondly, consumerism contributes to the production of large amounts of waste, both in terms of solid waste and pollution. The rapid consumption of goods leads to an increase in the amount of waste generated, as products become obsolete or are discarded after a short period of use. This not only occupies valuable land for waste disposal but also pollutes the environment with harmful substances that take years, if not decades, to decompose.

Furthermore, consumerism is closely linked to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The production, transportation, and disposal of goods all require significant amounts of energy, much of which comes from non-renewable fossil fuels. This contributes to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change and other environmental impacts.

Lastly, consumerism can also create a demand for products that are harmful to the environment. For example, the use of single-use plastics has become increasingly prevalent due to consumer demands for convenience. However, these items end up as litter in our ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and polluting water sources.

In conclusion, while it is essential to acknowledge that other factors contribute to environmental degradation, consumerism plays a significant role in driving this problem. The demand for resources, waste production, energy consumption, and the promotion of environmentally harmful products all result from consumer behavior. As a society, we must recognize the impact of our actions and strive to adopt sustainable practices that minimize the damage caused by consumerism.

Score: Band 9

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