The sprawling landfill outside the capital city of Xylo is a grim testament to the country’s rapid, yet uneven, development. Mountains of waste, much of it medical, stretch as far as the eye can see, a festering sore on the landscape. While the city boasts gleaming new hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices, a stark contrast exists just beyond its borders. Villagers living near the landfill, predominantly from marginalized communities, face daily challenges. Exposure to toxic waste has led to a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses and other health problems. The polluted water sources further exacerbate the situation, limiting access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Their pleas for relocation or remediation have largely fallen on deaf ears, caught in a bureaucratic quagmire of competing interests and insufficient funding. The government, eager to showcase its economic progress symbolized by the modern hospitals, often overlooks the plight of these communities. The medical devices in the city's hospitals, imported at considerable cost, represent a significant investment in healthcare. Ironically, the disposal of these devices—often lacking proper protocols for recycling or safe disposal—contributes directly to the environmental hazards faced by those living near the landfill. This discrepancy highlights a critical ethical dilemma: the pursuit of advanced healthcare for the privileged few versus the fundamental right to a healthy environment for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Activists argue that the government’s focus on technological advancement overshadows the basic human rights of those affected by environmental degradation. They advocate for stricter regulations on medical waste disposal, community-based environmental education programs, and equitable distribution of resources, rather than a mere concentration on high-tech facilities. However, implementing these changes requires significant financial investment and a paradigm shift in how development is prioritized. The dilemma remains: balancing economic growth with social justice in the face of environmental challenges.
1. What is the central conflict depicted in the passage?
2. According to the passage, what is the primary cause of the villagers’ health problems?
3. What is the irony highlighted in the passage?
4. What is the main point of the activists’ argument?
5. Which of the following best describes the overall tone of the passage?