The 21st century presents humanity with an unprecedented environmental challenge. Climate change, driven largely by greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, is causing widespread disruption to ecosystems and human societies. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, while extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, are becoming more frequent and intense. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. Technological innovation offers the potential to mitigate climate change and create a more sustainable future. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, and advancements in energy storage technologies are addressing the intermittency of renewable energy. Furthermore, breakthroughs in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offer the possibility of capturing CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and storing them underground, preventing their release into the atmosphere. Electric vehicles (EVs) are another area of significant technological advancement. The increasing availability of EVs, coupled with improvements in battery technology, is reducing reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles and lowering transportation emissions. Moreover, advancements in agriculture, such as precision farming techniques, are helping farmers to optimize resource use and reduce the environmental impact of food production. Despite these advancements, significant hurdles remain. The transition to a low-carbon economy requires substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure and technological research and development. Political will and international cooperation are crucial to overcome regulatory barriers and ensure the equitable distribution of the benefits of new technologies. Moreover, consumer behavior plays a significant role. Wide-scale adoption of sustainable practices and technologies requires a change in lifestyle and consumption patterns. Ultimately, addressing the environmental challenges of the 21st century will require a multifaceted approach. It demands a combination of technological innovation, policy changes, and a fundamental shift in human behavior. The future of our planet depends on our collective ability to embrace sustainable solutions and build a future where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand.
1. According to the passage, what is the major driver of climate change?
2. What technological advancement is mentioned as a potential solution to the intermittency of renewable energy?
3. What is one of the challenges mentioned in the passage that hinders the transition to a low-carbon economy?
4. What does the passage suggest is necessary to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century?