雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has long been a cornerstone of consumer electronics manufacturing, yet its environmental implications are increasingly under scrutiny. This practice, whereby products are deliberately designed with a limited useful life, encourages frequent replacement and drives demand. However, recent studies suggest a paradigm shift towards 'circular economy' models, which prioritize repairability, modularity, and material recovery. Proponents argue that such a transition not only reduces e-waste but also fosters innovation in sustainable design. Critics, however, contend that without robust regulatory frameworks and consumer behavior change, these models may remain niche, failing to achieve the scale necessary to offset the environmental costs of current production cycles. This tension between economic growth and ecological sustainability represents a central challenge for policymakers and industry leaders alike.