Part 3 - Option 2 · Inglés Selectividad Cataluña Juny Serie 5 2023

2. Write a for-and-against essay on whether governments should start making individual citizens pay environmental fines.

Solución: In recent years, the climate crisis has led to stricter regulations for large corporations. However, whether individual citizens should also face environmental fines remains a controversial topic. On the one hand, financial penalties could strongly encourage responsible behaviour. When people know that failing to recycle or wasting electricity leads to economic sanctions, they become much more conscious of their daily habits. Consequently, municipal recycling rates would rapidly increase, helping reduce landfill waste. On the other hand, enforcing such penalties on individuals raises serious ethical issues. Encouraging citizens to report on their neighbours creates a culture of mistrust and hostility. Moreover, low-income families might struggle to replace old appliances or light bulbs, making fines unfair and punitive rather than constructive. In conclusion, while holding individuals accountable is essential, education and positive incentives are far more effective and less divisive than imposing fines and surveillance.