The year is 2042. A seemingly paradoxical situation unfolds: a housing bubble in sprawling desert megacities coexists with widespread desertification across the globe. Technological advancements, particularly the rollout of 6G, promise solutions, but also exacerbate underlying issues. The housing boom, fueled by speculative investment and a population surge, has led to the construction of massive, air-conditioned urban centers in previously arid regions. These cities, while boasting cutting-edge 6G infrastructure enabling seamless connectivity and smart city management, consume vast quantities of water and energy, accelerating the very desertification they are attempting to escape. Ironically, many residents, connected through 6G's pervasive network, are acutely aware of the environmental consequences of their luxurious lifestyles, yet feel powerless to change the system. Meanwhile, in less developed nations, the impacts of desertification are far more immediate and devastating. Traditional agricultural practices are rendered unsustainable as arable land shrinks, leading to food insecurity and mass migration. The promise of 6G's potential for precision agriculture and efficient water management remains largely unrealized due to a lack of infrastructure and financial resources. Even the dissemination of crucial climate data faces obstacles in regions with limited connectivity. Furthermore, the technological advancements driving the housing bubble are themselves contributing to the environmental crisis. The production and disposal of 6G infrastructure components, along with the energy demands of maintaining the sophisticated urban systems, create a significant carbon footprint. The inherent tension between economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability is brought into sharp relief. This complex scenario challenges us to consider the long-term consequences of rapid technological advancement and unsustainable consumption patterns. The question remains: can 6G, with its potential for efficient resource management and global connectivity, truly be a solution to the problems it partly creates, or will it simply exacerbate the existing inequalities and environmental challenges facing humanity?
1. According to the passage, what is the paradoxical situation in 2042?
2. What is a major environmental consequence of the housing boom in desert megacities?
3. How does the passage portray the role of 6G in addressing desertification in less developed nations?
4. What is the central tension highlighted in the passage?