ENGLISH MEBY

大気汚染、クローン動物、ジェンダー:複雑に絡み合う現代社会の課題」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

Air pollution, cloning technology, and gender inequality are three seemingly disparate issues, yet they are intricately interwoven in the fabric of modern society. The impact of air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women and children, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Studies have shown higher rates of respiratory illnesses among women in heavily polluted areas, potentially due to biological factors and societal roles that limit their access to healthcare and protective measures. Cloning technology, while promising advancements in medicine and agriculture, raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding gender balance. If cloning is primarily used to replicate animals with desirable traits, there is a risk of skewing the gender ratio within livestock populations, impacting biodiversity and agricultural sustainability. Moreover, the application of cloning in human reproduction raises complex questions about reproductive autonomy and gender identity, challenging traditional notions of parenthood and family structure. The intersection of these issues extends to environmental justice. Industries contributing to air pollution often operate in areas with marginalized communities, disproportionately impacting women and minorities. This environmental injustice further reinforces existing gender and socioeconomic inequalities. Addressing this necessitates a multi-pronged approach, encompassing environmental regulations, technological innovation, and social policy reforms aimed at promoting gender equality and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the discussion on cloning and gender necessitates a careful consideration of the potential for misapplication and the imperative for ethical guidelines. The potential for biased selection in cloning, prioritizing certain genders over others, could further exacerbate existing societal imbalances. Therefore, robust ethical frameworks are crucial for responsible innovation in this field, ensuring the equitable application of technology and preventing the perpetuation of gender inequalities. Ultimately, achieving a just and sustainable future requires addressing air pollution, advancing responsible cloning technologies, and actively combating gender inequality simultaneously.

1. According to the passage, how does air pollution disproportionately affect women?

2. What ethical concern regarding cloning is highlighted in the passage?

3. What is the passage's main argument regarding the relationship between the three topics?

4. What is the author’s proposed solution to address the issues discussed in the passage?