TTransportation is one of the main sources of pollution in the modern era. While some people believe that governments should implement appropriate laws to reduce transport pollution, others believe that individuals should adjust their habits to reduce their carbon footprint. In my view, individuals should bear the responsibility for minimising transport pollution.
On the one hand, governments can implement laws to reduce pollution. They can mandate people to purchase/switch to newer cars by imposing fines or extra fees on older cars. As older engines are less efficient, replacing them reduces carbon emissions. Governments can also take measures so that public transports operate more frequently. Although public transports also contribute to pollution, they are less polluting than personal vehicles. These are some policies that governments can implement in order to reduce pollution by transport.
On the other hand, individuals are as responsible, if not more responsible, in reducing transportation pollution. Many people use their private cars for insignificant events. For instance, many people drive for a 500-metre trip, while walking or using a bike can be a better option. Carpooling, or car-sharing can be another option to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Instead of a hundred cars for a hundred people, these commuters with the same destination can share twenty cars among them and there would be 80% less pollution.
To sum up, both the government and individuals share responsibility for reducing transport-related pollution. However, in my opinion, collective action by individuals is more effective than relying solely on government regulations, as widespread behavioural change can immediately reduce carbon emissions and create a more sustainable impact.