The concept of 'sustainable development' has evolved significantly since its popularization in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially focused on environmental protection, it now encompasses economic viability and social equity as interdependent pillars. Critics argue that this broadening has diluted its original ecological urgency, allowing corporations to adopt 'greenwashing' strategies that prioritize profit over genuine change. However, proponents counter that integrating social and economic dimensions is essential for long-term global stability, as poverty and inequality often exacerbate environmental degradation. Recent studies suggest that effective sustainability policies require adaptive governance, which can respond to local conditions while adhering to international frameworks. This tension between universal principles and localized implementation remains a central challenge in contemporary environmental policy, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches that reconcile ecological limits with human development aspirations.
❓ According to the passage, what is a major challenge in contemporary sustainability policy?
A. A. The lack of international frameworks for environmental protection.
B. B. Balancing universal sustainability principles with local implementation needs.
C. C. The overemphasis on social equity at the expense of economic growth.
D. D. The rejection of interdisciplinary approaches by policymakers.
✅ 正确答案
B. Balancing universal sustainability principles with local implementation needs.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first