In my opinion, I concur with John's stance that imposing
penalties on companies may not solely benefit the
environment but could also negatively impact the
economy. While it appears logical that bearing additional
burdens would prompt companies to fulfill their social
responsibilities by adopting more eco-friendly practices
and minimizing environmental harm, the reality is that
most businesses may not willingly shoulder these extra
expenses. Instead, customers are likely to bear the brunt
of these penalties as companies treat them as costs,
effectively circumventing the crux of the issue.
Consequently, they may be less inclined to improve their
production processes since they can raise product prices to
offset profit losses.Furthermore, this penalty system could
significantly hinder a company's growth. As previously
mentioned, maintaining profits might necessitate increasing
product prices, which in turn could dampen consumer
motivation to make purchases. This economic stagnation may
result in societal decline and diminished quality of life. While
sustainable practices are undeniably crucial, it is essential
for us to consider whether our priorities are misplaced.