The concept of 'ecosystem services' has gained prominence in environmental policy, yet its economic valuation remains contentious. Proponents argue that assigning monetary values to services like pollination or water purification incentivizes conservation by making their loss visible in cost-benefit analyses. Critics, however, contend that such valuation is inherently reductive, as it overlooks non-material cultural and spiritual values that resist quantification. Moreover, market-based mechanisms, such as carbon trading, may commodify nature, potentially leading to 'green grabbing' where powerful actors exploit these frameworks for profit. Despite these debates, a pragmatic middle ground suggests using valuation as a communicative tool rather than a definitive metric, encouraging dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and local communities to foster more holistic stewardship of natural resources.
❓ ¿Cuál es el argumento principal del autor respecto a la valoración económica de los servicios ecosistémicos?
A. Es un enfoque ineficaz que debería abandonarse en favor de una regulación estricta.
B. B) Debe utilizarse con cautela como un medio para facilitar un debate más amplio, no como una medida absoluta.
C. C) Es universalmente beneficioso y debería ser la base principal de todas las políticas ambientales.
D. D) Solo es relevante para los servicios culturales, que no pueden cuantificarse.
✅ 正确答案
B) It should be used cautiously as a means to facilitate broader discussion, not as an absolute measure.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
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