In a world with limited land, water and other natural resources, the harm from the traditional busin

In a world with limited land, water and other natural resources, the harm from the traditional business model is on the rise. Actually, the past decade has seen more and more forests disappearing and the globe becoming increasingly warm. People now realize that this unhealthy situation must be changed, and that we must be able to develop in sustainable（可持续的）ways. That means growth with low carbon or development of sustainable products. In other words, we should keep the earth healthy while using its supply of natural resources.
Today, sustainable development is a proper trend in many countries. According to a recent study, the global market for low-carbon energy will become three times bigger over the next decade. China, for example, has set its mind on leading that market, hoping to seize chances in the new round of the global energy revolution. It is now trying hard to make full use of wind and solar energy, and is spending a huge amount of money making electric cars and high-speed trains. In addition, we are also seeing great growth in the global markets for sustainable products such as palm oil（棕榈油）, which is produced without cutting down valuable rainforest. In recent years the markets for sustainable products have grown by more than 50%.
Governments can fully develop the potential of these new markets. First, they can set high targets for reducing carbon emissions and targets for saving and reusing energy. Besides, stronger arrangement of public resources like forests can also help to speed up the development. Finally, governments can avoid the huge expenses that are taking us in the wrong direction, and redirecting some of those expenses can accelerate the change from traditional model to a sustainable one.
The major challenge of this century is to find ways to meet the needs of growing population within the limits of this single planet. That is no small task, but it offers abundant new chances for sustainable product industries.
12. The traditional business model is harmful because of all the following EXCEPT that ______.
A. it makes the world warmer
B. it consumes natural resources
C. it makes growth hard to continue
D. it brings severe damage to forests
13. To fully develop the low-carbon markets, governments can ______.
A. cut public expenses B. forbid carbon emission
C. develop public resources D. encourage energy conservation
14. We can learn from the last paragraph that businesses have many chances to ______.
A. develop sustainable products B. explore new natural resources
C. make full use of natural resources D. deal with the major challenge
15. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To compare two business models.
B. To introduce a new business model.
C. To advocate sustainable development.
D. To predict a change of the global markets.
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