雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has long been a cornerstone of consumer electronics manufacturing, yet its environmental ramifications are increasingly under scrutiny. While manufacturers argue that regular upgrades drive innovation and economic growth, critics contend that the practice encourages a disposable culture, exacerbating e-waste and resource depletion. A recent study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggests that extending the average lifespan of electronic devices by just one year could reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of taking 2 million cars off the road annually. However, proponents of rapid technological cycles counter that such measures might stifle progress in energy-efficient designs, which often require newer hardware to function optimally. This tension highlights a fundamental conflict between economic imperatives and sustainability goals, prompting policymakers to consider legislative measures that mandate repairability and modular design, though implementation remains fraught with industry resistance and consumer apathy.