Question 18.

Let's look at the options one by one. Option 2 states "The study of the coexistence of marginalised people with their environments." This passage is about the impact of renewable energy on marginalized people, not about their coexistence. Hence ignore this option.

Option 3 states "Encouragement for the development of more environment-friendly carbon-based fuels". In the third paragraph, the author talks about reducing carbon footprint. Hence he will never support carbon based fuels. This option is incorrect.

Option 4 is completely negated by the last paragraph. The author talks about the financial viability of the localised small scale production. Hence this option too is incorrect.

Option 1 is completely correct."many of the world’s largest reservoirs of minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, [and] rare earth minerals”—the ones needed for renewable technologies—“are found in fragile states and under communities of marginalized peoples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.” Since the demand for metals and minerals will increase substantially in a renewable-powered future . . . this intensification could exacerbate the existing consequences of extractive activities." 

This intensification could exacerbate the existing consequences, i.e. if propar disposal of toxic materials is not done it can make the conditions worse. Option 1 is the correct answer.