The sun beat down mercilessly on the sprawling desert settlement of Oasis Nova. A gleaming, futuristic city built amidst the dunes, it represented a triumph of human ingenuity, a testament to humanity's ability to conquer even the harshest environments. However, beneath the veneer of progress lurked a deep and unsettling problem: water scarcity. Oasis Nova, despite its advanced desalination plants, faced chronic water shortages. Strict rationing was in place, and the allocation of water resources was a source of constant tension and conflict. This tension was amplified by the recent release of "Arid Dreams," a critically acclaimed film showcasing a utopian society thriving in a similar desert environment. The film's depiction of abundant water and carefree living, starkly contrasting with the reality of Oasis Nova's residents, sparked widespread debate. Some argued the film was irresponsible, offering false hope and deepening the sense of despair among the populace. Dr. Aris Thorne, the city's lead hydrologist and a staunch advocate for water conservation, criticized the film's depiction of seemingly limitless water resources. He argued that the film’s romantic portrayal of a water-rich desert landscape was ethically problematic, contributing to social unrest and undermining the efforts of the city council to enforce strict conservation measures. He believed that the film’s creators bore a moral responsibility to accurately reflect the challenges of water scarcity. Others, however, saw the film as a powerful tool for social change. They argued that its optimistic vision could inspire innovation and encourage people to find creative solutions to the city's water crisis. They suggested the film's popularity could be harnessed to raise public awareness about water conservation. The debate raged on, dividing Oasis Nova’s citizens and forcing a renewed examination of the ethics of storytelling in a context of severe environmental limitations. The question remained: does the pursuit of artistic expression outweigh the potential for social disruption?
1. What is the central conflict presented in the passage?
2. What is Dr. Thorne's main argument against the film "Arid Dreams"?
3. What is the perspective of those who defend the film "Arid Dreams"?
4. The passage suggests that the ethical dilemma revolves around: