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英検1級 二次 予想トピック 74 ・ 🌱 環境・エネルギー ・ Is ~?

Is it acceptable to clear forests to build large solar farms?

大規模な太陽光発電所（メガソーラー）を作るために森林を切り開くことは許されるか。

このトピックを選ぶべき人

メガソーラーと自然破壊のニュースを知っていて、再エネと環境保護の矛盾を語れる人向け。

骨組み理由3つ（どちらの立場でも話せる）

賛成（Yes）で話すなら

I believe it can be acceptable, as long as strict environmental rules are followed.

  1. urgent needJapan needs to increase renewable energy quickly to cut carbon emissions. As a mountainous country with limited flat land, it may not be able to avoid using some forested areas.
  2. overall benefitClimate change itself threatens forests through heat, drought, and pests. If a solar farm replaces power from fossil fuels, the overall benefit to nature may be greater than the loss of a small area of forest.
  3. local incomeSolar farms can bring income to rural areas through land rent and taxes. For example, owners of forests they can no longer manage may welcome a new use for their land.

反対（No）で話すなら

I don't believe it is acceptable to clear forests for solar farms, because it defeats the purpose of protecting the environment.

  1. carbon storageForests absorb carbon dioxide and store it for decades. Cutting them down in the name of fighting climate change is contradictory.
  2. disaster riskClearing trees from slopes can make landslides and floods more likely during heavy rain. Many local residents in Japan have opposed solar projects for this reason.
  3. better locationsThere are many better places for solar panels, such as factory roofs, parking lots, and abandoned farmland. We should use these spaces before destroying forests.

想定質疑面接委員はこう突っ込んでくる

QIsn't some damage to nature unavoidable if we want more renewable energy?

I understand that point. Every energy source has some impact on the environment. However, the real question is how to keep that impact as small as possible. Putting panels on buildings and unused land causes far less damage than cutting down forests.

Q：再生可能エネルギーを増やしたいなら、自然へのある程度の害は避けられないのでは？
A：その点は分かります。どんなエネルギー源にも環境への影響はあります。しかし本当の問題は、その影響をいかに小さくするかです。建物や使われていない土地にパネルを置く方が、森林を切り開くよりずっと害が少ないのです。

QWhat should local governments do about solar projects that residents oppose?

I think local governments should require developers to explain their plans and listen to residents before construction begins. Some local governments have already introduced rules that limit solar farms in areas at risk of landslides. Clear rules like these protect both the environment and fair business.

Q：住民が反対している太陽光発電の計画に、自治体はどう対応すべきですか。
A：自治体は、工事が始まる前に事業者が計画を説明し、住民の声を聞くよう義務づけるべきだと思います。土砂崩れの危険がある地域でのメガソーラーを制限するルールを、すでに設けている自治体もあります。こうした明確なルールは、環境と公正なビジネスの両方を守ります。

QWhat did you think of the protests against solar farms near Kushiro Marsh?

I think the protests showed that people care about both clean energy and nature. Kushiro Marsh is home to rare wildlife, such as the red-crowned crane. Building solar farms near the marsh might reduce carbon emissions, but it could also damage something that can never be replaced.

Q：釧路湿原の近くのメガソーラーへの反対運動について、どう思いましたか。
A：あの反対運動は、人々がクリーンなエネルギーと自然の両方を大切に思っていることを示したと思います。釧路湿原にはタンチョウのような貴重な野生生物がすんでいます。湿原の近くにメガソーラーを作れば炭素の排出は減るかもしれませんが、二度と取り戻せないものを傷つけるおそれもあります。

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