雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has long been a cornerstone of consumer electronics manufacturing, where products are deliberately designed with a limited lifespan to encourage repeat purchases. However, recent shifts in both consumer behavior and regulatory frameworks are challenging this model. The European Union's 'Right to Repair' legislation, for instance, mandates that manufacturers provide spare parts and repair manuals for up to ten years after a product's release. Proponents argue that such measures reduce electronic waste and empower consumers, while critics contend that they stifle innovation by diverting resources away from R&D. Empirical studies on the impact of these laws remain inconclusive, with some showing a modest decrease in e-waste but others noting increased costs for manufacturers, which are often passed on to consumers. This tension between sustainability and economic growth underscores a broader debate about the ethics of design in a resource-constrained world.