The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty extending the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, its effectiveness has been debated, highlighting the complex interplay between global environmental policy and individual actions. Design, often overlooked in discussions of climate change, plays a crucial role. The design of products, services, and systems significantly impacts resource consumption and waste generation. This "design risk" encompasses the potential for designs to inadvertently contribute to environmental problems, from unsustainable material choices to inefficient energy use. Consider, for instance, the design of a disposable plastic bottle: its convenience is countered by its considerable environmental cost. Interestingly, the power of visual communication, such as manga (Japanese comics), offers a unique platform to address these complex issues. Manga's ability to convey complex information in an engaging and accessible manner can be harnessed to raise awareness about environmental challenges and promote sustainable design practices. A well-crafted manga story could illustrate the lifecycle of a product, from its raw material extraction to its disposal, thereby revealing the embedded environmental impacts and encouraging mindful consumption. Furthermore, manga can effectively communicate the consequences of design choices. It can visualize the long-term effects of unsustainable practices, creating a powerful emotional connection with the audience. By engaging the reader's imagination and empathy, manga can potentially influence individual behavior and promote a shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns. However, creating effective and impactful manga requires careful consideration of the target audience and the narrative approach. A poorly conceived manga might inadvertently trivialize the seriousness of environmental issues or reinforce unsustainable mindsets. Ultimately, the challenge lies in effectively integrating design thinking—a human-centered, iterative problem-solving approach—into the design process itself. This involves considering environmental impact from the outset, exploring alternative materials and processes, and prioritizing durability and repairability over disposability. Manga, with its potential for effective communication, can act as a valuable tool in promoting this shift towards a more sustainable future.
1. What is the central argument of the passage?
2. According to the passage, what is "design risk"?
3. How can manga contribute to promoting sustainable design practices?
4. What is the significance of integrating "design thinking" into the design process?