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

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

Question: To what extent does citizen activism contribute to the formation and implementation of environmental policies? Discuss the positive and negative aspects of citizen activism in this context.

Model Answer:

Citizen activism has become an increasingly important factor in driving environmental policy changes around the world. This form of grassroots social action can be effective in raising awareness, promoting public debate, and influencing decision-makers. However, it is essential to consider both the positive and negative aspects of this approach in order to understand its overall impact on environmental policy formation and implementation.

On one hand, citizen activism has played a significant role in highlighting critical environmental issues that might otherwise go unnoticed by the general public and the government. Through campaigns, protests, and other forms of activism, concerned citizens have been able to draw attention to topics such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. This heightened awareness can lead to increased political will to address these challenges, with policy changes being one potential outcome.

Moreover, citizen activism has the potential to create a sense of solidarity among individuals who share common goals, fostering a collective voice that can be more persuasive than individual efforts. The power in numbers allows for greater pressure on policymakers and corporations, leading to concessions and, ultimately, policy changes. Additionally, citizen activism can contribute to the democratization of environmental policy-making by ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives are represented in the decision-making process.

On the other hand, citizen activism may also have negative consequences for the formation and implementation of environmental policies. One potential drawback is that it can sometimes be driven by emotional reactions rather than objective analysis, leading to unbalanced or misguided policy proposals. For example, while a campaign to ban plastic bags might be well-intentioned, it could inadvertently have negative environmental impacts if not carefully considered alongside the broader context of waste management.

Furthermore, citizen activism can sometimes create divisions within society, as different groups may prioritize different issues or advocate for conflicting solutions. This fragmentation can lead to ineffective policymaking and hinder the achievement of common environmental goals. Additionally, excessive reliance on citizen activism may result in a lack of sustained expertise and resources needed to design, implement, and monitor effective environmental policies.

In conclusion, citizen activism plays a vital role in driving environmental policy changes by raising awareness, promoting public debate, and influencing decision-makers. However, it is essential to recognize the potential drawbacks of this approach, such as emotional reactions and divisions within society. Ultimately, a balanced combination of grassroots activism, expert knowledge, and collaboration between various stakeholders is necessary to ensure effective environmental policy formation and implementation.

Score: Band 9

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