1. Individuals can do nothing to protect the environment; only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree? The role of members of society in environmental protection has been the subject of intense debate. Although governments and large companies are crucial in addressing conservation issues, the part played by individuals is also important, if not more so. It is true that governments and corporations fare better than individuals when it comes to creating blueprints for environmental protection. Start with policy-making. Legislators are able to raise public awareness and regulate the activities of citizens and businesses by enacting stringent environmental laws. Under the Clean Water Protection Act, for instance, factories have to dispose of industrial waste in an eco-friendly way before releasing it into rivers, and farmers are not allowed to use chemical fertilizers because they are a source of pollutants. Next comes the role of corporations. Big companies can do their bit by developing green products and persuading consumers to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Consider the electric cars launched by Tesla Motors, which, if widely used, would reduce exhaust emissions in densely populated areas. Individuals can also contribute to the protection of our planet. By opting for public transport, city dwellers are able to reduce their ecological footprints; with the introduction of paperless offices, white-collar workers help to curb deforestation; in place of ordinary light bulbs, average households use compact fluorescent lamps to save energy. Moreover, eco-conscious citizens can even raise environmental awareness. Consider Rachel Louise Carson, an American conservationist whose book Silent Spring has led to a nationwide ban on DDT and inspired global green movements. Such case reinforces the notion that individuals can make a difference. In conclusion, the role of environmental protection is not restricted to governments and corporations. Ordinary people can also play their part in making the world a better place.