IELTS Speaking Part 3: Who Is Responsible for Climate Change?

Let's move on to discuss the environment more broadly.

To what extent are individuals responsible for climate change?

Ooh, that's a meaty one. Can I start with a caveat?

Of course, go ahead.

I think the individual versus systemic debate is somewhat misleading.

The idea of a personal carbon footprint was popularised by an oil company.

Really? I wasn't aware of that.

Yes, and it conveniently shifted the blame onto consumers!

So you'd absolve individuals entirely?

No, not entirely. That would be a cop-out.

Our choices matter, but mostly in aggregate.

When enough people change, markets and politicians follow suit.

Can you give an example of that happening?

Well... take the shift towards plant-based diets.

Ten years ago, vegan options were a niche curiosity.

Now supermarkets stock entire aisles of them!

That's a compelling illustration.

Some argue that wealthy nations should bear most of the cost.

Would you agree with that?

Um, broadly, yes,

since they've been emitting for far longer.

It would be rather hypocritical to lecture developing countries now.

Are you optimistic about the future, on the whole?

Honestly? It depends what I've read that morning.

The headlines can be genuinely alarming.

But renewable energy is getting cheaper astonishingly fast!

Thank you, that brings the test to a close.

Oh, is that it? Thank you so much!

You're welcome. Have a good afternoon.