The year is 2040. Coastal city X, once renowned for its vibrant culture and bustling port, now faces an existential crisis. Years of unchecked development and the escalating effects of climate change have converged, creating a perfect storm. The immediate threat is liquefaction. Following a series of increasingly intense typhoons, the sandy soil beneath much of the city has become unstable. Buildings are tilting, infrastructure is collapsing, and the risk of catastrophic failure is ever-present. The city's engineers are desperately working on innovative liquefaction countermeasures, including deep soil improvement techniques and the construction of resilient foundations. However, these are costly and time-consuming projects, placing a strain on already depleted resources. Simultaneously, city X grapples with its obligations under the Paris Agreement. The agreement’s ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction seem increasingly elusive, particularly with the city's reliance on fossil fuels for power generation. The city council is debating a controversial proposal to invest heavily in renewable energy sources, a move that would require significant financial sacrifices and potentially hinder progress on the liquefaction mitigation projects. Amid this turmoil, a young novelist, Hana, is writing a play about the city's plight. Her work explores the complex interplay of scientific, economic, and ethical dilemmas. It weaves together the personal stories of engineers battling to save the city, politicians wrestling with difficult choices, and ordinary citizens facing the daily anxieties of living in a vulnerable environment. Her play becomes a powerful symbol of the city's struggle and a catalyst for public debate. The challenges facing city X are multifaceted, reflecting a global predicament. The interplay between immediate crises, such as liquefaction, and the long-term consequences of climate change highlights the need for integrated and innovative solutions. Hana’s fictional narrative serves as a reminder that tackling complex problems demands not just technological expertise, but also a deep understanding of human values and the capacity to mobilize collective action.
1. What is the primary immediate threat facing city X in 2040?
2. What is the central conflict faced by city X's council?
3. What role does Hana's play serve in the narrative?
4. What overarching message does the passage convey?