The concept of 'environmental carrying capacity' has long been central to ecological theory, yet its application to human societies remains contentious. While traditional models assume a fixed threshold beyond which a population cannot grow without collapsing, contemporary scholars argue that technological innovation and trade can effectively raise this limit. However, such optimism is tempered by evidence that resource depletion and pollution often outpace adaptive measures, particularly in regions lacking robust governance. A 2021 study of coastal megacities demonstrated that despite advanced water recycling systems, none achieved full sustainability, suggesting that infrastructural solutions alone are insufficient. Instead, the authors propose a socio-ecological framework that integrates behavioral change, policy reform, and economic incentives, acknowledging that human systems are not merely passive responders to environmental limits but active shapers of them.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main limitation of relying solely on technological solutions to address environmental carrying capacity?
A. A. They are too expensive for most developing regions.
B. B. They fail to account for the role of human behavior and policy.
C. C. They have not been proven effective in any real-world context.
D. D. They can only be implemented in coastal megacities.
✅ 正确答案
B. They fail to account for the role of human behavior and policy.
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