ENGLISH MEBY

蓄電池、現代文学、そして海面上昇: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 21st century presents humanity with a complex web of interconnected challenges. Consider three seemingly disparate areas: the burgeoning market for energy storage batteries, the evolution of contemporary literature, and the ever-increasing threat of sea level rise. At first glance, these topics might appear unrelated, yet a closer examination reveals surprising points of convergence. The rapid expansion of the battery market, driven by the need for renewable energy storage and electric vehicle adoption, reflects a growing awareness of environmental concerns. Companies are investing heavily in research and development, aiming to create more efficient and sustainable battery technologies. This technological drive, however, is not without its environmental costs. The extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, and ultimately, the disposal of batteries, all contribute to pollution and resource depletion. This inherent tension between technological advancement and environmental responsibility echoes a central theme in much contemporary literature. Modern literature often grapples with the complexities of technological progress and its impact on humanity and the environment. Authors frequently explore the ethical dilemmas associated with innovation, the alienation caused by rapid technological change, and the often unintended consequences of human ambition. Think of the dystopian visions of authors like Margaret Atwood, where technological advancements serve as instruments of control and oppression, reflecting a deep-seated anxiety about the future. These anxieties find a tangible expression in the very real and present threat of sea level rise. Sea level rise, driven largely by climate change, is not merely an environmental concern; it's a humanitarian crisis in the making. Coastal communities face displacement, infrastructure is threatened, and entire ecosystems are at risk. The consequences of inaction are dire, highlighting the failure of global cooperation and the limitations of current technological solutions. The literature of our time reflects this sense of impending doom, the profound sense of helplessness in the face of seemingly insurmountable problems. It's a mirror reflecting our collective anxieties and grappling with the moral implications of our collective choices. The interconnectedness of these three seemingly disparate themes – the battery market, contemporary literature, and sea level rise – highlights the need for a holistic approach to problem-solving. The challenges we face are complex and intertwined; addressing them requires a multifaceted strategy, integrating technological innovation with ethical considerations, and fostering global cooperation to mitigate the impending environmental and humanitarian catastrophes.

1. According to the passage, what is a major environmental concern related to the expansion of the battery market?

2. How does contemporary literature reflect the anxieties surrounding technological advancement, as discussed in the passage?

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

4. The author uses the example of Margaret Atwood's dystopian visions to illustrate: