The year is 2077. Coastal cities are submerged, relentless heatwaves scorch the land, and the once-fertile plains are now dust bowls. In this ravaged world, Elias, a devout follower of the ancient Earth Mother religion, grapples with the consequences of humanity's negligence. His faith, centered on reverence for nature and a cyclical understanding of life and death, is violently challenged by the irreversible damage inflicted upon the planet. Elias's community, nestled precariously in the mountains, struggles to survive. Their traditional farming practices, passed down through generations, are no longer sufficient. Drought and unpredictable weather patterns threaten their very existence. The younger generation, witnessing the stark reality of climate change, questions the efficacy of their elders' faith, some embracing technological solutions while others succumb to despair and nihilism. Meanwhile, the Global Unity Council, a powerful organization born from the climate crisis, promotes a scientific, almost utopian, vision of the future. They advocate for technological fixes and global cooperation, presenting a seemingly rational and efficient alternative to religious beliefs that seem increasingly inadequate in the face of ecological catastrophe. Elias, however, clings to his faith. He sees in the devastation not only a punishment for humanity's sins, but also a profound spiritual test. He interprets the extreme weather patterns as a manifestation of the Earth Mother's wrath, but also as a call for repentance and a renewed commitment to harmony with nature. He believes that true salvation lies not in technological advancement, but in spiritual renewal and a rediscovery of the interconnectedness of all living things. His struggle mirrors the broader conflict within the community and beyond. The novel explores the complex interplay between science and religion, faith and reason, hope and despair in the context of a world irrevocably altered by climate change. It asks fundamental questions about humanity's relationship with the environment, the nature of faith in the face of overwhelming adversity, and the possibility of redemption in a world seemingly beyond repair. The novel ultimately suggests that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable ecological devastation, hope and faith, if tempered with action, can provide a path forward.
1. What is the central conflict in the passage?
2. How does Elias interpret the ecological devastation?
3. What does the Global Unity Council represent in this passage?
4. Which of the following BEST describes the novel's overall theme?