Q. The emissions humans put into the atmosphere now will affect the climate in the middle of the century and onwards.
Technological change, meanwhile, could make a future transition away from fossil fuels cheap or it might not, leaving the world with a terrible choice between sharply reducing emissions at huge cost or suffering through the effects of unabated warming. Businesses that do not hedge against the threat of uncertain outcomes fail. The world cannot afford such recklessness on climate change.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crucial message conveyed by the author of the passage?
(a) Businesses that cause emissions may need to close down or pay for pollution in future
(b) The only solution is technological development related to the issues of climate change.
(c) Waiting to deal with carbon emissions until technology improves is not a wise strategy.
(d) Since future technological change is uncertain, new industries should be based on renewable energy sources.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 CSAT
Model Answer:
Q1: Correct Answer – (c) Waiting to deal with carbon emissions until technology improves is not a wise strategy.
Explanation –
The author of the passage is conveying that the effects of current emissions will be felt in the future and that relying on uncertain technological advancements to solve the problem is risky. The author compares this to businesses failing due to not hedging against uncertain outcomes, suggesting that waiting to deal with emissions is not a wise strategy. Therefore, option (c) best reflects the crucial message of the passage.