ENGLISH MEBY

湿地再生、オペラ史、食料安全保障:三位一体の課題」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The interplay between seemingly disparate fields often yields surprising insights. Consider the intertwined challenges of wetland restoration, the history of opera, and the role of food security organizations. Wetland degradation, driven by agricultural expansion and urbanization, poses a significant threat to biodiversity and climate change mitigation. The restoration of these vital ecosystems is a complex undertaking, requiring extensive scientific knowledge and significant financial resources. Simultaneously, the history of opera, often considered a highbrow art form, reveals fascinating connections to social and economic realities. Early opera houses, for instance, were frequently built with the patronage of wealthy elites, reflecting the social stratification of the time and the political power they wielded. The evolution of operatic themes, from mythological tales to social commentaries, mirrors societal shifts and concerns throughout history. Finally, food security organizations grapple with the critical challenge of ensuring sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a growing global population. This involves tackling issues such as climate change impacts on agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and equitable food distribution networks. These three seemingly disparate fields – wetland restoration, opera history, and food security – share a common thread: the intricate relationship between human activity, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Effective wetland management, for example, can contribute to food security by supporting fisheries and protecting agricultural lands from flooding. Furthermore, the narratives within operas often reflect the social and economic tensions influencing food production and distribution. The understanding of these intricate connections is crucial in formulating effective policies that simultaneously address environmental challenges and ensure food security for all. This holistic approach requires interdisciplinary collaboration and a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between human societies and the natural world. The restoration of wetlands, for example, not only provides ecological benefits but also contributes to economic opportunities such as ecotourism and sustainable resource management. These economic benefits can then be leveraged to support social programs, improving the quality of life for local communities and potentially influencing the narratives and themes reflected in subsequent operatic compositions. In this way, seemingly disparate fields – the ecology of wetlands, the history of opera, and the goals of food security organizations – become intertwined, demonstrating the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems.

1. According to the passage, what is a significant threat to biodiversity and climate change mitigation?

2. What does the passage suggest about the history of opera?

3. What is a common thread linking wetland restoration, opera history, and food security organizations?

4. How can effective wetland management contribute to food security?

5. What does the passage argue for in terms of addressing environmental challenges and ensuring food security?