In the following question, an incomplete statement followed by fillers is given. Pick out the best filler to complete the incomplete statement, correctly and meaningfully. Despite several warnings, the company continued to dump waste into the river, eventually leading to______________

The statement begins with "Despite several warnings..." and talks about the company "continuing to dump waste into the river," which clearly suggests irresponsible or illegal behavior. Therefore, the consequence should logically be negative, such as punishment or backlash. (1) legal action being taken by environmental groups – This is a logical and meaningful consequence of ignoring warnings and polluting a river. (2) an increase in its production output –   Irrelevant and doesn’t connect logically with pollution or warnings. (3) the government appreciating its industrial efforts – Contradictory to the idea of environmental violation. (4) a sudden rise in its popularity among citizens –   Illogical, as pollution would likely cause public disapproval.