Japan faces a rapidly aging population and a pressing need for sustainable energy solutions. This demographic shift presents unique challenges and opportunities across various sectors, including fashion design and geothermal energy development. The fashion industry, often criticized for its environmental impact, is beginning to explore sustainable practices. Designers are incorporating recycled materials, reducing textile waste, and focusing on longevity and adaptability in their creations. For an aging population, clothing needs to be functional, comfortable, and easily adjustable to changing physical capabilities. This demand drives innovation in adaptive clothing designs, catering to the specific needs of elderly individuals, such as easy closures, adjustable waistbands, and comfortable fabrics. Simultaneously, Japan possesses abundant geothermal resources, a renewable energy source with the potential to mitigate climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Harnessing geothermal energy requires significant investment in infrastructure and technological advancement, but the long-term benefits are substantial. Geothermal power plants can provide stable and reliable energy, even during natural disasters, contributing to a resilient energy system crucial for an aging society that is particularly vulnerable to power outages. The intersection of these three themes – fashion design, geothermal energy, and the aging population – presents exciting possibilities for innovation. Consider, for instance, the application of geothermal energy to the production of sustainable textiles. The heat generated could be used to power textile mills, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the development of smart textiles, integrated with sensors monitoring vital signs, could be particularly beneficial for elderly individuals living independently, providing early warnings of health problems. The potential for synergy between these seemingly disparate fields holds key to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for Japan. However, challenges remain. The high initial investment costs for geothermal power plants, coupled with the complexity of integrating these systems into the existing infrastructure, pose significant hurdles. Similarly, the adoption of sustainable fashion practices requires a shift in consumer behaviour and a willingness to embrace potentially higher prices for more ethically produced clothing. Overcoming these obstacles will require policy support, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts across various sectors.
1. According to the passage, what is a major challenge facing Japan’s fashion industry in its pursuit of sustainability?
2. What potential benefit does geothermal energy offer to Japan in the context of an aging population?
3. The passage suggests a potential synergy between geothermal energy and the fashion industry. What is this synergy?
4. Which of the following BEST summarizes the main idea of the passage?