It is the job of governments and companies to deal with the huge environmental problems which we face. Individuals on their own can do little or nothing’. What is your opinion about this statement?

There is now little doubt that global warming and climate change are the result of human activity.

This

has happened because of a failure in environmental policy by governments and a lack of concern for wasted

energy

by individuals. It is almost universally accepted that climate change is the consequence of a number of environmental failings. Perhaps the most important of these is how fossil fuels,

for example

, gas and coal are still the main source of power.

This

is a problem because their use means that a large amount of CO2 is released into the atmosphere causing the greenhouse effect. Another serious issue is how illegal logging continues in rainforests and the Amazon Basin

in particular

. It should not be forgotten that there is a connection between global warming and the inefficient use of

energy

by consumers in the home.

While

governments must take prime responsibility for reducing climate change, individuals too can play a part. Political leaders across the globe need to cooperate so that research into renewable forms of

energy

,

for instance

, wind and solar power is properly funded and the use of coal and gas in power stations is phased out. They must

also

of course ensure that regulations against logging are properly enforced. Consumers of

energy

can help by insulating their homes properly and using solar panels where possible so that less

energy

is required and wasted. These actions should limit the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and so reduce the greenhouse effect. In conclusion, whilst global warming is a serious threat to humanity, there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce its effects.