IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Causes & Solutions (Band 9 Sample)

There is now overwhelming evidence that the planet is warming at an alarming rate, with consequences ranging from rising sea levels to more frequent extreme weather. This essay will first outline the principal causes of the crisis and then suggest what both governments and ordinary citizens can do to tackle it.

1. The main causes

The root cause is the relentless burning of fossil fuels. Coal, oil and gas power our factories, vehicles and homes, releasing vast quantities of carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere. This is compounded by large-scale deforestation, since clearing forests removes the very trees that would otherwise absorb that carbon, and by intensive farming, which produces significant amounts of methane, another potent greenhouse gas.

2. What can be done

Meaningful action requires effort on two fronts. Governments hold the most powerful levers: they can invest heavily in renewable energy, tax carbon emissions, and set strict standards that push industries towards cleaner technology. Individuals matter too, however. By using public transport, cutting energy waste and reducing meat consumption, ordinary people can shrink their carbon footprint and, just as importantly, pressure companies and politicians to act.

In conclusion, climate change is driven chiefly by fossil fuels, deforestation and intensive agriculture. Reversing it will demand bold policy from governments alongside genuine changes in everyday behaviour, and only if these two forces pull together can the worst outcomes still be avoided.