雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'circular economy' has gained significant traction in recent years as a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear model of 'take-make-dispose'. Unlike linear systems, which prioritize throughput and often externalize environmental costs, a circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource consumption by designing out waste, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. This shift requires not only technological innovation in recycling and product design but also fundamental changes in consumer behavior and business models. For instance, product-as-a-service models, where consumers lease rather than own goods, incentivize manufacturers to create durable, repairable products. However, critics argue that the transition is hampered by existing infrastructure, economic disincentives, and a lack of global policy coherence. Nevertheless, proponents contend that the long-term benefits, including reduced resource dependency and enhanced resilience, outweigh the transitional costs.