Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
[I] Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the quantity of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and the quantity removed through natural processes or technological solutions. [II] In recent years, many countries, industries, and institutions have set Net Zero targets, often aiming for the year 2050. [III] Achieving these goals will require transformative changes in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. [IV]
Striving for Net Zero delivers a range of interconnected benefits beyond reducing climate risks. It promotes investment in renewable technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced battery systems. This shift can help countries become more energy independent and less reliant on fossil fuel imports. Cleaner energy leads to improved air and water quality, reducing respiratory illnesses and healthcare costs. In urban centers with dense populations and high traffic, reduced emissions have already played a role in improving measurable aspects of environmental health.
Businesses also stand to benefit substantially from Net Zero policies. Today’s consumers increasingly support brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency. Furthermore, emission-reduction measures often align with strategies that boost energy efficiency and operational performance. As environmental standards tighten worldwide, companies that adapt early can gain a competitive edge. They enhance their long-term resilience in a shifting global market by proactively adjusting to these changes.
While the switch to Net Zero presents complex economic and logistical challenges, the long-term benefits remain substantial. It offers not only a pathway to climate stability but also a foundation for a more equitable and sustainable global economy. Governments, industries, and individuals all play critical roles and must collaborate with urgency. The longer meaningful action is delayed, the greater the financial and ecological costs will become. This delay will only deepen existing global inequalities and risks.
(Adapted from IELTS Challenges)
