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. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crucial message conveyed by the author of the passage?
- ABusinesses that cause emissions may need to close down or pay for pollution in future
- BThe only solution is technological development related to the issues of climate change
- CWaiting to deal with carbon emissions until technology improves is not a wise strategyCorrect
- DSince future technological change is uncertain, new industries should be based on renewable energy sources.
Explanation
The passage emphasizes that current emissions have long term consequences and that relying on future technological breakthroughs is a gamble. The author compares the failure to act now to a business failing to hedge against uncertain risks, calling such inaction recklessness.
Option C is the correct answer because it directly captures this core message. It highlights that we should not delay action on carbon emissions while waiting for technology to potentially become cheaper or better.
Option A focuses only on businesses closing down, which is a secondary analogy rather than the main message. Option B is incorrect because the author suggests technology might not be a guaranteed solution. Option D introduces a specific recommendation about new industries that is not explicitly stated in the text. Therefore, Option C best reflects the urgency and the warning against a wait and see approach.
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