prompt 5

Some people think that the main benefit of international cooperation is in the protection of the environment, while others believe that businesses mainly benefit. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.


view 1

view 2

opinion 

  • issues: climate change, air pollutions and marine waste -> cannot be effectively addressed by a single country

  • international cooperation enables:

  • shared scientific research and green technology transfer

  • global environmental standards and joint regulations

  • Developing nations gain financial and technical support for sustainable development.

counter: many environmental agreements are symbolic and poorly enforced, limiting their real impact.

Trade agreements reduce tariffs and streamline regulations, lowering operational costs.

Companies gain access to:

  • larger consumer markets

  • international investment and partnerships

  • Multinational corporations often scale faster through cross-border collaboration

counter: these benefits are concentrated among large corporations, while small firms and workers may face stronger competition or job losses.

  • Environmental protection is long-term.

  • Business benefits are short-term.

  • Environment supports future economy.

Some people believe that the primary advantage of international cooperation lies in environmental protection, while others argue that it mainly benefits businesses. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe environmental gains are ultimately more significant.

On the one hand, international cooperation plays a vital role in addressing environmental problems that transcend national borders. Issues such as climate change, air pollution and marine waste cannot be effectively tackled by individual countries acting alone. Through global agreements, nations can share scientific research, transfer green technologies and establish unified environmental standards, which are particularly beneficial for developing countries with limited resources. It is true that some environmental agreements are not strictly followed, but cooperation still encourages countries to take responsibility and make gradual improvements.

On the other hand, it is often argued that businesses are the main beneficiaries of international cooperation. Economic partnerships and trade agreements reduce tariffs and regulatory barriers, allowing companies to access wider markets, lower production costs and attract foreign investment. As a result, multinational corporations can expand rapidly and generate significant revenue. However, this view is not without limitations, as these benefits are frequently concentrated among large corporations, while small businesses and workers may struggle to compete or even face job losses due to increased global competition.

In my opinion, although international cooperation undoubtedly supports business growth, its environmental benefits are more fundamental and long-term. Economic gains tend to be unevenly distributed and short-lived, whereas protecting the environment ensures sustainable development, public health and global stability. Without coordinated environmental action, ecological degradation could eventually undermine economic growth itself.

In conclusion, while businesses clearly gain from international cooperation, I believe its most important contribution lies in protecting the environment, which forms the basis for long-term prosperity and human survival.