雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has long been a cornerstone of industrial design, yet its environmental ramifications are increasingly under scrutiny. Originally conceived as a means to stimulate economic growth by encouraging repeat purchases, this strategy involves deliberately designing products with a limited useful life. Critics argue that this practice accelerates resource depletion and exacerbates waste management crises. Proponents, however, contend that continuous innovation and technological advancement are inherently linked to shorter product lifecycles. Recent studies in sustainable consumer behavior suggest that a shift towards modular design and repairability could mitigate these adverse effects, though such changes require substantial industry restructuring and a redefinition of consumer expectations. The debate underscores a fundamental tension between economic imperatives and ecological sustainability.