ENGLISH MEBY

ダイオキシン、海洋酸性化、そしてテクノロジー規制:複雑化する環境問題への対応」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The interconnectedness of global environmental issues presents a formidable challenge to policymakers and scientists alike. Consider the seemingly disparate problems of dioxin pollution, ocean acidification, and the regulation of emerging technologies. While seemingly unrelated, these issues share a common thread: the complex interplay between human activity and the natural world. Dioxin, a highly toxic byproduct of industrial processes and waste incineration, persists in the environment for extended periods, bioaccumulating in the food chain and posing significant risks to human and ecosystem health. Its widespread presence necessitates stringent regulations on industrial emissions and waste management practices. However, the costs associated with implementing and enforcing such regulations can be substantial, leading to debates about economic feasibility and regulatory burden. Ocean acidification, driven by the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, is altering marine ecosystems at an alarming rate. The resulting decrease in ocean pH affects shell formation in marine organisms, disrupts food webs, and threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on the ocean for sustenance. Addressing this challenge requires a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a complex endeavor involving international cooperation and significant shifts in energy production and consumption. Emerging technologies, while offering potential solutions to environmental problems, also present new risks. Nanomaterials, for instance, possess unique properties that make them useful in various applications, but their potential environmental impacts remain largely unknown. Similarly, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) designed for enhanced agricultural productivity raise concerns about potential ecological consequences and the long-term effects on biodiversity. The development of effective regulatory frameworks for these technologies requires a careful balance between fostering innovation and mitigating potential harm, demanding sophisticated risk assessment procedures and ongoing scientific research. The effective management of these interconnected environmental problems demands a holistic approach. Simply focusing on individual issues in isolation is insufficient. Instead, a comprehensive strategy is needed, one that recognizes the synergistic effects between these challenges and promotes integrated solutions. This requires international collaboration, robust scientific research, and the development of adaptive and flexible regulatory frameworks capable of responding to the evolving nature of environmental risks.

1. According to the passage, what is the common thread connecting dioxin pollution, ocean acidification, and the regulation of emerging technologies?

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of ocean acidification?

3. What is the main challenge in regulating emerging technologies like nanomaterials and GMOs?

4. The passage advocates for which approach to addressing the mentioned environmental problems?