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

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:"Is carbon trading an effective strategy for reducing emissions?"

Model Answer:

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant increase in global temperatures due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. As a result, there is an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. One strategy that has been proposed and implemented by several nations is carbon trading. Carbon trading involves the buying and selling of allowances or permits to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). The primary aim of this system is to incentivize industries to reduce their emissions by providing economic benefits for reducing emissions below their allocated cap. In this essay, I will argue that while carbon trading can be an effective strategy for reducing emissions in some cases, it may not always be the most efficient or equitable solution.

Firstly, carbon trading has shown promise as a method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by creating a market-based approach to pollution control. By setting caps on emissions and allowing companies to trade their allowances with one another, industries are motivated to reduce their emissions in order to sell excess permits and make a profit. For example, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been in place since 2005, and studies have shown that it has contributed to a decrease in CO2 emissions from participating countries. This indicates that carbon trading can indeed be an effective strategy for reducing emissions in some contexts.

However, there are several drawbacks to carbon trading that limit its overall effectiveness. One major concern is the potential for "hot air," or excess emission allowances from countries with inefficient industries that have already reduced their emissions. These allowances could be sold to more polluting nations, resulting in little actual reduction in global emissions. Additionally, the carbon trading system can create a perverse incentive for companies to invest in renewable energy only if it is cheaper than purchasing carbon allowances, rather than focusing on reducing overall emissions. This may lead to a situation where the total amount of emissions remains unchanged but is simply shifted from one industry to another.

Moreover, carbon trading can be seen as an unfair method of addressing climate change, particularly for developing nations that do not have the financial resources to invest in low-carbon technologies. As a result, these countries may be forced to purchase expensive carbon allowances instead of investing in sustainable development and adaptation measures. This exacerbates existing disparities between developed and developing nations and can hinder global efforts to combat climate change equitably.

In conclusion, while carbon trading has the potential to reduce emissions in some contexts, it is not without its flaws. The system can be susceptible to "hot air" and may not always incentivize actual reductions in emissions. Additionally, it can create an uneven playing field for developing nations that lack the financial resources to participate effectively. As such, while carbon trading can be a valuable tool in the fight against climate change, it must be used in conjunction with other strategies such as renewable energy development, energy efficiency measures, and international cooperation in order to achieve meaningful and equitable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall Band Score: 9

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