Which one of the following statements best reflects the crucial message conveyed by the author of the passage?
- A. Businesses that cause emissions may need to close down or pay for pollution in future.
- B. The only solution is technological development related to the issues of climate change.
- C. Waiting to deal with carbon emissions until technology improves is not a wise strategy.
- D. Since future technological change is uncertain, new industries should be based on renewable energy sources.
Answer: C
Explanation
The passage emphasizes the uncertainty of future technological advancements making emission reduction cheaper. It warns that relying on such uncertain future technology could lead to a ‘terrible choice’ between costly immediate action or severe consequences of unchecked warming. The analogy of businesses failing due to not hedging against uncertain outcomes reinforces the idea that delaying action on climate change, hoping for future technological fixes, is a reckless and unwise strategy. Therefore, the crucial message is to act now rather than wait. Options A, B, and D are either too specific, too extreme, or not the central warning of the passage.