Which of the following is the primary trade-off mentioned in the passage between economic growth and the environment?

Explanation

The correct answer is (c) Economic growth raises GDP but often harms the environment through resource depletion. Explanation: In the passage, it is mentioned that "the race for GDP growth frequently comes at the cost of environmental sustainability" and "economic growth, especially in developing nations, often relies on industrialization, deforestation, and the exploitation of natural resources." These lines highlight that while GDP increases, environmental harm occurs through activities like deforestation and resource depletion. Thus, economic growth raises GDP but negatively affects the environment. Incorrect Options: • (a): There is no mention of economic growth increasing biodiversity in the passage. • (b): The passage does not claim that economic growth reduces employment or that automation plays a role in environmental protection. • (d): Economic growth is linked to greenhouse gas emissions in the passage, not the reduction of emissions, except in the context of potential future developments like renewable energy. • (e): The passage clearly links economic growth with environmental impact, stating that the two are related, and finding a balance is a challenge.