ENGLISH MEBY

防災と自然再生と都市鉱山:持続可能な社会に向けて」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The interconnectedness of disaster prevention (防災), natural resource regeneration (自然再生), and urban mining (都市鉱山) is becoming increasingly crucial for building a sustainable future. Effective disaster prevention strategies must consider the long-term health of ecosystems. For example, deforestation increases the risk of landslides and floods, while preserving natural forests acts as a buffer against these disasters. Natural resource regeneration plays a vital role in both mitigating disaster risks and providing essential resources. Reforestation projects not only help prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes, reducing the impact of natural disasters, but they also offer sustainable timber and other resources, lessening our reliance on environmentally damaging extraction methods. Urban mining, the process of extracting valuable resources from discarded materials in urban areas, offers a significant opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint. Recycling construction materials, for instance, reduces the demand for newly mined resources, thereby minimizing habitat destruction and the carbon emissions associated with extraction. Moreover, the efficient management of electronic waste prevents the release of hazardous substances into the environment, protecting both human health and ecosystems. However, integrating these three areas requires careful planning and interdisciplinary collaboration. For example, the reuse of construction waste in disaster relief efforts necessitates rigorous quality control to ensure structural safety. Similarly, the development of green technologies for urban mining requires investment in research and development, as well as public awareness campaigns to encourage participation. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives depends on a comprehensive approach that considers economic, environmental, and social factors, fostering a sustainable and resilient society.

1. According to the passage, how does deforestation affect disaster prevention?

2. What is the primary benefit of reforestation projects, as discussed in the passage?

3. How does urban mining contribute to environmental sustainability?

4. What is the main challenge highlighted in the passage regarding the integration of disaster prevention, natural resource regeneration, and urban mining?