It is often argued that governments should be held more responsible for dealing with environmental problems than citizens. While it is true that governments have the capacity to solve such issues, I firmly believe that individuals are equally accountable.
Admittedly, national governments must bear environmental responsibility. This is because large amounts of carbon emissions are generated by industrial processes and energy generation, which are directly regulated by state authorities. Given this control, governments are accountable for regulating pollution levels. China exemplifies this trend, as it once had the highest rate of atmospheric pollution; however, by imposing binding emission targets and enacting legislation curbing carbon-based energy production, it has significantly improved its environmental conditions.
In my view, however, individual citizens should accept the onus of environmental protection. Were individuals to change their attitude towards the environment by avoiding single-use plastic bags, reducing meat consumption, and favouring public transport over private ICE vehicles, they could reduce the corrosive effect on the environment. This, in turn, would lead to reduced environmental degradation and improved environmental sustainability. Norway serves as a notable case in point, where citizens have reduced their reliance on private vehicles in favour of public transport, cycling, and walking while also switching to use reusable shopping bags, all of which have resulted in enhanced quality of life.
In conclusion, although governments have the power and legislative authority to address environmental challenges, individual citizens ought to also take the responsibility for protecting the environment. Only through stringent environmental policies imposed by state authorities and meaningful measures taken by citizens can we achieve a sustainable environment.