雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'digital twins' has evolved from engineering simulations into a transformative tool for urban planning. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical system, continuously updated with real-time data to mirror its current state. In cities, these models integrate data from sensors, traffic cameras, and utility networks, allowing planners to simulate the impacts of policy changes or infrastructure projects before implementation. For instance, a digital twin of a flood-prone district can model the effects of new drainage systems under various climate scenarios, reducing risks and costs. However, the reliance on massive data raises concerns about privacy and data security, as well as the risk of over-reliance on models that may not capture all social complexities. Thus, while digital twins offer unprecedented predictive power, their effective use requires balancing technological precision with human judgment and ethical oversight.