ENGLISH MEBY

二酸化炭素固定、民主主義、そして教育: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。

The intricate relationship between carbon dioxide fixation, democratic governance, and educational assessment presents a complex challenge to modern society. Effective carbon sequestration, crucial in mitigating climate change, demands significant societal shifts. These shifts require public support, necessitating transparent and democratic processes. However, democratic deliberation can be slow and susceptible to misinformation, hindering rapid action on climate change. Furthermore, educational assessment plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding of environmental issues and fostering the skills needed for technological innovation in carbon capture and storage. A curriculum focused solely on standardized testing, neglecting critical thinking and problem-solving skills, may inadvertently limit progress. Consider the potential for conflicting priorities: the immediate economic needs of a community might overshadow long-term environmental concerns, especially when democratic decision-making processes are vulnerable to lobbying efforts from vested interests. The challenge lies in fostering a balanced approach, where democratic principles ensure public participation and informed consent, while simultaneously enabling efficient and effective action on climate change. This requires a robust educational system that equips citizens with the scientific literacy and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex environmental challenges and participate meaningfully in democratic discourse. It also necessitates robust mechanisms for countering misinformation and fostering informed public debate. The interconnectivity of these three factors highlights the need for integrated solutions, avoiding simplistic, reductionist approaches. Ultimately, a sustainable future depends on finding a path that harmonizes democratic values with the urgency of addressing climate change, a path facilitated by an education system that nurtures both individual agency and collective action. For example, consider the implementation of a new carbon tax. A democratic government would ideally engage in extensive public consultations, incorporating diverse perspectives and addressing legitimate concerns about potential economic impacts. Educational initiatives would be crucial in explaining the scientific basis for the tax and demonstrating its long-term benefits in mitigating climate change. However, the process might be slowed down by political opposition or misinformation campaigns, potentially jeopardizing the effectiveness of the climate action. This demonstrates the inherent tensions between democratic ideals and the urgent need for effective solutions to global environmental problems.

1. According to the passage, what is the main challenge in addressing climate change through carbon dioxide fixation?

2. What role does education play in addressing the challenges discussed in the passage?

3. The passage suggests that democratic deliberation can be problematic because it is:

4. What is the author's overall perspective on the relationship between carbon dioxide fixation, democracy, and education?