Passage: In only 50 years, the world's consumption of raw materials has nearly quadrupled, to more than 100 billion tons. Less th…

Question

Passage: In only 50 years, the world's consumption of raw materials has nearly quadrupled, to more than 100 billion tons. Less than 9% of this is reused. Batteries of old vehicles contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel that are pricey and can be hard to obtain. Supply chains are long and complicated. Buyers' risks are being aggravated by their suppliers' poor environmental and labour standards. Reusing materials makes sense. Once batteries reach the ends of their lives, they should go back to a factory where their ingredients can be recovered and put into new batteries.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the passage?

1. A. Green economy is not possible without reusing critical minerals.
2. B. Every sector of economy should adapt the reuse of material resources immediately.
3. C. Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth. (Correct answer)
4. D. Circular use of material resources is the only option for some industries for their survival.

Correct Answer

Option C — Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth..

Key Points

• The passage argues for reusing materials (batteries with lithium, cobalt etc.) in a circular economy model.
• Option C — "Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth" — is the most balanced and logical message.
• Option A is too absolute (green economy is NOT possible), Option D is too narrow.