Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

Nike, one of the world's largest sportswear companies, has announced that it will no longer use kangaroo leather in the production of its shoes starting in 2023. This decision is a significant step towards wildlife protection, particularly in Australia, where millions of kangaroos are killed every year.

The use of kangaroo skin in athletic shoes has always caused a lot of anger among environmental groups due to the cruel practices involved in the commercial killing of kangaroos. Many have called for a ban on the use of kangaroo leather in products, and Nike's announcement is a step towards that goal.

Nike will instead produce a new version of its popular football boots made from a new synthetic material that provides better performance. The company's decision to replace kangaroo leather with a synthetic material is also in line with the growing trend among luxury brands to ban the use of kangaroo skin in their products. Other major brands such as Puma, Versace, and Prada have already taken similar steps.

While Nike's decision has been widely applauded, there are concerns about the impact on the commercial kangaroo industry in Australia. Its supporters believe that banning the use of kangaroo leather in products would have negative economic impacts on the industry, despite the environmental benefits. The commercial killing of kangaroos is legal in Australia and kangaroo products are also considered by some to be a sustainable option, as their carbon footprint is believed to be a lot lower than that of cattle and sheep.

Nike's decision to stop using kangaroo leather in its products is positive step towards wildlife protection. However, it is also important to consider its impact on the commercial kangaroo industry and the need for sustainable and humane management of kangaroo populations.

The word 'applauded' in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to _______.