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. Proponents argue that iterative product cycles drive innovation and economic growth, as each new release stimulates demand and creates jobs. However, critics contend that this model fosters a 'throwaway culture', leading to staggering levels of e-waste and depletion of rare earth metals. Recent studies suggest that extending product lifespans through modular design and repairability standards could reduce carbon footprints by up to 30%. Despite this, manufacturers often resist such changes, citing higher upfront costs and consumer preference for cutting-edge features. The tension between commercial viability and ecological sustainability thus remains unresolved, prompting policymakers to consider legislation that mandates minimum durability standards and right-to-repair laws, which would fundamentally reshape the industry's operating paradigm.