ENGLISH MEBY

正義、排出権取引、そしてゲーム:複雑な倫理的ジレンマ」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The year is 2047. Global warming has reached a critical point, forcing governments worldwide to implement stringent carbon emission reduction targets. A complex system of carbon emission trading (CET) has emerged, with companies buying and selling permits to emit greenhouse gases. While intended to incentivize environmentally responsible practices, the CET system has become a battleground for ethical dilemmas. One prominent video game, "EcoJustice," simulates this complex reality. Players take on the roles of corporate executives, environmental activists, and government regulators, each with their own competing interests and moral compasses. The game's intricate mechanics force players to confront challenging choices: Should a corporation prioritize profit maximization, even if it means exceeding emission limits and paying penalties? Should an activist group resort to sabotage to pressure corporations into adopting sustainable practices? Can a government regulator effectively balance economic growth with environmental protection, particularly when faced with corporate lobbying and public pressure? The game's popularity stems from its realistic portrayal of the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges. However, "EcoJustice" has also become a hotbed of debate. Critics argue that the game glorifies unethical behavior by allowing players to profit from environmental damage, albeit within a simulated context. Others defend the game, stating that its immersive simulations foster critical thinking and encourage players to grapple with real-world ethical dilemmas. The game’s developers argue that exploring the grey areas of ethical decision-making within a controlled environment offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond the virtual world. The success of "EcoJustice" raises a profound question: Can video games serve as effective tools for ethical education and social commentary? While the game presents players with simplified scenarios, the core issues of environmental justice, corporate responsibility, and the limitations of market-based solutions remain strikingly relevant to our actual world. The choices players make in "EcoJustice" are not merely hypothetical; they mirror difficult choices we face in our daily lives, demanding a nuanced understanding of the complexities of justice and sustainability.

1. What is the central ethical dilemma presented in the passage regarding the carbon emission trading (CET) system and the video game "EcoJustice"?

2. According to the passage, what is a major criticism of the video game "EcoJustice"?

3. What is the main point of the final paragraph of the passage?

4. Which of the following best describes the author's overall attitude towards the video game "EcoJustice"?