ENGLISH MEBY

水資源・漁業・自動車排気ガス:複雑に絡み合う環境問題」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The intricate relationship between water resources, fishing industries, and automobile exhaust emissions presents a complex environmental challenge. Overfishing, driven by increasing global demand for seafood, depletes fish stocks and disrupts marine ecosystems. This overfishing is exacerbated by pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge, which contaminate water sources, leading to habitat destruction and impacting fish populations. Automobile exhaust emissions, a significant source of air pollution, contribute to this environmental degradation in several ways. Firstly, acid rain, a consequence of atmospheric pollutants from vehicles, acidifies lakes and rivers, damaging aquatic life and further stressing already depleted fish populations. Secondly, the resulting acidification can also affect the quality of water used for aquaculture, potentially leading to reduced yields and increased mortality rates in fish farms. Finally, these emissions contribute to climate change, altering ocean temperatures and currents, which in turn influence fish migration patterns and breeding cycles. Sustainable management of water resources is crucial in mitigating these problems. Efficient irrigation techniques, responsible waste management, and stricter regulations on industrial discharge can help to reduce water pollution and protect aquatic habitats. Similarly, sustainable fishing practices, including quotas and fishing restrictions, are necessary to ensure the long-term health of fish stocks. Addressing automobile emissions through stricter emission standards, promoting electric vehicles, and investing in public transportation can contribute significantly to reducing acid rain and mitigating climate change, indirectly benefiting both water resources and fishing industries. The interconnected nature of these environmental issues necessitates a holistic approach, emphasizing collaboration between governments, industries, and communities to achieve sustainable solutions.

1. According to the passage, what is a primary factor exacerbating overfishing?

2. How does acid rain, caused by automobile exhaust, impact the fishing industry?

3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a solution to the environmental problems discussed in the passage?

4. What is the central argument of the passage regarding the relationship between water resources, fishing, and automobile emissions?