Today’s developing economic use much less energy per capita than developed countries such as the United States did at similar incomes, showing the potential for lower-carbon growth. Adaptation and mitigation need to be integrated into a climate-smart development strategy that increases resilience, reduces the threat of further global warming, and improves development outcomes. Adaptation and mitigation measures can advance development, and prosperity can raise incomes and foster better institutions. A healthier population living in better-built houses and with access to bank loans and social security is better equipped to deal with a changing climate and its consequences. Advancing robust, resilient development policies that’ promote adaptation is needed today because changes, in the climate, already begun, will increase even in the short term.
Which one of the following statements constitutes the central theme of this passage?
The central theme of the passage is the imperative to integrate adaptation and mitigation measures into development strategies. This is explicitly stated as: "Adaptation and mitigation need to be integrated into a climate-smart development strategy that increases resilience, reduces the threat of further global warming, and improves development outcomes." The passage consistently reinforces this idea, highlighting how such integration can advance development and enhance a population's capacity to manage climate change impacts.
Option (A): The passage mentions that economic prosperity, leading to better living conditions and social security, equips populations to deal with climate change. However, this is presented as a consequence or an observation within the broader argument for integrated development, rather than constituting the central theme itself. The primary focus remains on the strategy of integration.
Option (C): The passage does not advocate against rapid economic growth. Instead, it discusses the potential for "lower-carbon growth" and "climate-smart development," suggesting a focus on the quality and sustainability of growth rather than its complete cessation or discouragement.
Option (D): This statement regarding the overexploitation of natural resources for rapid development is not mentioned or implied anywhere within the provided passage. The text focuses on proactive strategies for climate-smart and resilient development.