Essay 453 – Overreliance on private cars causes harm to the environment

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 453

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Overreliance on private cars causes harm to the environment, and therefore it is necessary to encourage people to use public transport instead.

How our overreliance on cars can harm the environment?
How can people be encouraged to use public transport?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The escalating pollution in many cities is primarily linked to the exponential growth in private car usage. To restore the declining quality of air and to prevent global warming, it is imperative to promote a shift towards reduced private car reliance and increased utilisation of public transport. This essay will suggest how our dependence on automobiles can negatively affect the environment and explore various strategies to encourage people to use public transport.

Our increasing dependence on cars has dire consequences for the environment. The rampant use of personal vehicles contributes to air pollution and exacerbates climate change. Emissions from exhaust fumes release harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, into the atmosphere. These pollutants degrade air quality and pose health risks, especially in densely populated urban areas. For instance, a recent study found that in a city where a significant portion of the population relies on cars for daily commuting, the levels of air pollutants exceeded recommended limits, leading to respiratory problems and environmental degradation. The increased carbon footprint from excessive car usage significantly contributes to global warming, impacting ecosystems and weather patterns.

To encourage the use of public transport cities must prioritise the development and improvement of their transport infrastructure. This involves expanding and upgrading existing public transport networks, including buses, trams, and trains, to provide a more comprehensive and efficient service. Investment in infrastructure should encompass measures such as increasing the number and frequency of public transport routes, enhancing connectivity between different modes of transport, and ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. For instance, cities like Singapore and Hong Kong have successfully implemented extensive and well-integrated public transport systems, resulting in high levels of public transport usage and reduced traffic congestion. To further encourage public transport usage, governments can introduce a range of incentives and disincentives to steer individuals away from private cars. Incentives may include providing discounted or subsidised public transport fares and offering tax benefits to frequent public transport users.

In conclusion, to mitigate the mounting air pollution and environmental problems in cities, it is crucial to encourage a shift towards increased public transport usage. This can be achieved through the development of robust public transport infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and implementing incentives that promote public transport over private cars.