Some people think that it is necessary for the government to raise taxes on fuel for cars and others types of transportation in order to protect the environment. While it is an effective measure, I believe that this is not the optimal solution to solve the problem as this will directly affect low-income households.
On the one hand, it is undeniable that increasing the cost petrol can serve as a deterrent for excessive car usage and promote more sustainable transportation alternatives. By raising the price of fuel, people commuting to work by private car everyday might consider public transport as a way of saving their travelling cost, thereby reducing the amount of exhaust fumes and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the additional revenue generated from this initiative can be allocated to the development of greener transportation infrastructure.
However, increasing the petrol price as a way of protecting the environment can impose a direct burden on low-income individuals who rely heavily on private vehicles. Those who have to work flexible hours may face great difficulties if they are not allowed to travel to work by their own vehicles as it usually takes quite a long time for a public transport to arrive at the station on time, especially during rush hours. Additionally, only reducing the number of private vehicles on roads cannot resolve the ongoing environmental problems. Exhaust fumes released from many factories and industrial zones are currently destroying the ozone layers and making a detrimental impact on the environment. Instead of solely relying on the increase of petrol to reduce pollution, the government should focus on developing other types of vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars and strictly regulate the amount of carbon dioxide and emissions that businesses are allowed to produce.
In conclusion, while increasing fuel prices can partly mitigate environmental problems, I think that this should not be the sole option. The government should adopt a multifaceted approach that combines measures such as restricting the amount of fumes, promoting the use and development of greener transport.