The concept of 'environmental carrying capacity' has long been central to ecological theory, yet its application to human societies remains contentious. Unlike wildlife populations, which are constrained by biological limits, human societies can manipulate their environment through technology and trade. However, this capacity for modification does not eliminate resource scarcity; rather, it shifts the burden to global systems. Recent studies suggest that while local carrying capacities can be exceeded through imports, the planet's finite resources impose an ultimate ceiling. Consequently, some scholars argue that sustainable development must reconcile economic growth with ecological boundaries, a challenge complicated by unequal consumption patterns across nations. This perspective implies that technological optimism alone is insufficient, demanding a reassessment of societal values and international cooperation.
❓ 文章によると、キャリングキャパシティの概念を人間社会に適用する際の主な限界は何ですか？
A. A) 人間の人口は技術により、いかなる環境的制約も受けない。
B. B) 地域の資源枯渇は貿易によって相殺され得るが、地球規模の資源は最終的に有限である。
C. C) 持続可能な発展は、経済成長が常に生態学的限界を超えるため、不可能である。
D. D) この概念は野生生物にのみ適用され、高度な技術を持つ人間社会には適用されない。
✅ 正确答案
B) Local resource depletion can be offset by trade, but global resources are ultimately finite.
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