The pristine beaches of Isla Paradiso, once renowned for their unspoiled beauty, are now facing an unprecedented crisis. Years of lax environmental regulations and a booming tourism industry have led to a significant increase in waste, particularly glass waste. While glass recycling programs exist, their effectiveness is severely hampered by a pervasive culture of norm violation. Tourists, often disregarding local ordinances prohibiting littering, carelessly discard glass bottles and shards, damaging the delicate ecosystem. The consequences are devastating. Sea turtles, already vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change, frequently ingest glass fragments, leading to internal injuries and death. The sharp edges also pose a significant threat to other marine life, including fish and seabirds. Furthermore, the broken glass contaminates the sand, making it hazardous for both humans and wildlife. The once-vibrant coral reefs, vital for the island's biodiversity, are also suffering, as accumulating glass debris smothers the coral polyps, hindering their growth and survival. The island's government has attempted to address the issue through stricter enforcement of existing laws and public awareness campaigns. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questionable. The sheer volume of tourists, coupled with a lack of adequate waste management infrastructure, continues to overwhelm the system. Even with increased fines and penalties, the underlying issue of widespread norm violation remains unresolved. Many locals and tourists alike argue that the inconvenience of finding designated recycling bins outweighs the environmental responsibility of proper disposal. This deeply ingrained attitude, combined with insufficient government oversight, poses a significant challenge to the sustainability of Isla Paradiso's fragile environment. Some environmentalists propose a multi-pronged approach. This involves not only strengthening legal frameworks and improving waste management infrastructure, but also focusing on educational programs that instill a sense of environmental responsibility among tourists and residents. They argue that sustainable tourism is not merely about economic growth but about preserving the natural beauty that attracts tourists in the first place. Only a concerted effort to address both the regulatory and cultural aspects of this problem can secure the long-term ecological health of Isla Paradiso.
1. According to the passage, what is the primary cause of the environmental crisis on Isla Paradiso?
2. What is the most significant threat posed by glass waste to the marine ecosystem?
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a measure proposed to address the problem?
4. What is the central argument of the environmentalists mentioned in the passage?