As climate change quickly advances, many Middle Eastern countries aremaking the change from oil-based economies to ones that attract people fromaround the world--for travelling, business, work or to live.
One such example is NEOM to be built in Saudi Arabia. A key part of NEOM is “The Line”, a $725 billion futuristic city designed to house 9 millionpeople. It is a mirrored (镜子) wall-like building 200 meters wide and 500 meterstall. To be built in north-western Tabuk province, the project will spread 170 kilometres from the Red Sea across deserts, mountains and valleys.
At first look, the project appears environmentally impressive. The city area isno more than 100 metres from any point in the city. A high-speed electric publictransport service makes sure every part of “The Line” is within 20 minutes away. Unluckily, as in many high-rise buildings with a large population inside, a vertical (垂直的) transportation would be needed, for it is just like a 125-floor building.
The project costs also seem OK at $55,000 per person. Let’s say this isachievable in a country like Saudi Arabia and only covers infrastructure (基础设施). Even so, it remains to be seen how super-high-speed transport and mostadvanced infrastructure and services within the hugest building ever built can becost-effective.
The Line is planned for green living. Energy comes from renewable sources,waste water is reused, and it owns the latest “smart city” and mixed-use buildingtechnologies. Car ownership is avoided in favour of walking, cycling and publictransport.
However, the materials to be used and the building of such a big projectcould be very harmful to the environment. The plan says no one would be morethan two minutes from nature. But does this include the waiting times for a liftWithout careful design, a high dependence on vertical transportation may ruin thepleasure of walkable or bicycle-friendly areas.
8. Why will “The Line” be built in Saudi Arabia
A.To take a step towards green economies. |
B.To attract more tourists from all over the world. |
C.To house the increasing population in Saudi Arabia. |
D.To make preparations for a project known as NEOM. |
9. How does the author introduce “The Line” in paragraph 2?
A.By showing an example. | B.By designing drawings. |
C.By making a comparison. | D.By supplying numbers. |
10. What do we know about “The Line”?
A.It will surely cost S725 million to build. | B.It will be wholly environmentally friendly. |
C.It will require a vertical transportation. | D.It will be a 125-floor building for certain. |
11. What does the author think of “The Line”?
A.Unclear. | B.Doubtful. |
C.Indifferent. | D.Hopeful. |