Question

Read the passage below carefully and answer the question that follows.

For centuries, master builders across the Sudano-Sahelian region of West Africa relied on adobe—a sun-dried mixture of mud, straw, and organic additives—to construct dwellings and iconic community structures. These traditional earthen buildings were exceptionally well suited to the arid climate. The thick mud walls provided high thermal mass, absorbing heat during the blistering daytime and releasing it slowly during cooler desert nights, thereby maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without artificial cooling. Furthermore, the materials were locally sourced, biodegradable, and economically accessible to all social strata.

However, the rapid influx of modern cement and concrete construction in recent decades has increasingly displaced traditional earth building techniques. Concrete structures, while perceived as symbols of modernity and durability, perform poorly in Sahelian thermal environments. Concrete walls rapidly absorb and transmit heat indoors, forcing a high reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems that remain out of reach for average households. Moreover, the production of industrial cement contributes significantly to carbon emissions, whereas traditional mud architecture represents a low-carbon, sustainable alternative. Although earthen structures demand periodic replastering after rainy seasons, their passive thermal regulation and environmental compatibility render them far superior for local climatic realities. Preserving and modernizing these indigenous building methods is therefore essential not only for architectural heritage but also for sustainable climate adaptation in the region.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the central argument of the passage?