The best way to solve the world’s environmental problem is to increase the cost of fuel. To what extent do you AGREE OR DISAGREE with this statement?

As globalization continues and the world heads into the future, the Earth’s natural processes are altered, leading to major environmental challenges. With the assumption that

fuel

consumption greatly affects ecological balance, certain conservation groups propose to make petrol more expensive to solve the world’s environmental problems. While

this

is a valid suggestion, it is my belief that

this

approach cannot address all of the environmental concerns of the world. It is probably true to say that many motorists would be discouraged to use cars excessively when the price of oil is increased.

This

move may potentially reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants into the air, which would result in the reduction of global warming and air pollution.

However

, doing so clearly does not help with issues that do not emanate from the use of

fuel

,

such

as water pollution, improper waste management and severe deforestation. Another point to consider is the social structure and culture of people in certain countries. In developing nations,

for instance

, the great majority of the individuals who own cars belong to the rich and privileged.

Although

an increase in the cost of petrol would

initially

hurt, it would not keep them from using cars for long as they can easily afford the price of

fuel

no matter how expensive. I

also

believe that

this

measure is at best temporary because it focuses more on governmental policy than individual responsibility. Since most of the world’s environmental problems result from the inconsiderate actions of man, none of these issues would be permanently resolved unless people would learn how to live in a way

that is

greener and friendlier to the environment. To my mind, increasing the cost of

fuel

is but a short-term relief to the world’s environmental problems. Raising the individual concern for the environment would be a better and more lasting solution.