The year is 2077. Decades of unchecked consumption have depleted the Earth's resources. Clean water is scarce, arable land is shrinking, and the once-vibrant ecosystems are struggling to survive. Amidst this bleak landscape, the global sporting community finds itself grappling with a profound crisis. International competitions, once symbols of national pride and global unity, are now plagued by ethical dilemmas and logistical nightmares. In the fictional nation of Atheria, professional 'Eco-ball', a futuristic sport combining elements of basketball and netball played with recycled materials, has become the national obsession. The game, despite its humble origins, reflects the nation's struggle for sustainability and its unwavering pursuit of wellbeing. Atheria's Eco-ball team, 'The Green Guardians', embodies this spirit. Their star player, Anya Petrova, is not just a phenomenal athlete, but also a vocal advocate for environmental protection and mindful consumption. Her charisma and on-field prowess have ignited a national movement towards sustainable living. However, Atheria's success faces mounting challenges. The scarcity of resources directly impacts training facilities, equipment manufacturing, and even the availability of nutritious food for athletes. The team's coach, Dimitri Volkov, wrestles with the moral implications of participating in a sport that demands significant resources in a world where basic needs are unmet. He questions whether the pursuit of athletic excellence is justifiable when countless citizens lack access to clean water or adequate healthcare. Meanwhile, international pressure mounts. Wealthier nations, with access to dwindling reserves of rare earth minerals critical for advanced sports technology, are tempted to exert their influence on the Eco-ball competition, seeking to maintain their dominance. Anya and Dimitri must navigate the complex ethical web of international politics and resource scarcity, grappling with questions of fairness, sustainability, and the true meaning of athletic achievement in a resource-constrained world. The narrative of 'The Green Guardians' isn't just a sports story; it’s a reflection on our potential future. It raises fundamental questions about our relationship with the environment, the ethical implications of consumption, and the importance of redefining success beyond material wealth. In a world grappling with resource depletion, the pursuit of wellbeing takes on new urgency, demanding a shift towards sustainable practices and a reevaluation of our values.
1. What is the central conflict in the passage?
2. What does the fictional sport 'Eco-ball' symbolize?
3. What is the author's main purpose in writing this passage?
4. The passage suggests that the pursuit of wellbeing in a resource-constrained world requires: