Today, the top environmental challenge is a combination of people

• UPSC Critical Reading

Today, the top environmental challenge is a combination of people and their aspirations. If the aspirations are more like the frugal ones we had after the Second World War, a lot more is possible than if we view the planet as a giant shopping mall. We need to get beyond the fascination with glitter and understand that the planet works as a biological system.

Which of the following is the most crucial and logical inference that can be made from the above passage?

1. The Earth can meet only the basic needs of humans for food, clothing and shelter. 
2. The only way to meet environmental challenge is to limit human population. 
3. Reducing our consumerism is very much in our own interest. 
4. Knowledge of biological systems can only help us save this planet.

Answer

The correct option is A.