The concept of 'ecological footprint' has gained significant traction in environmental policy discussions. It measures the demand placed on Earth's ecosystems by human activities, expressed as the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce resources and absorb waste. While this metric offers a clear, quantifiable way to compare consumption across nations, critics argue that it oversimplifies complex environmental impacts. For instance, it fails to account for the toxicity of certain pollutants or the depletion of non-renewable resources. Moreover, the calculation assumes a uniform productivity of land, ignoring regional variations in ecosystem health. Despite these limitations, the ecological footprint remains a powerful communicative tool, translating abstract environmental degradation into a tangible spatial metaphor that resonates with policymakers and the public alike.
❓ 文章によると、エコロジカル・フットプリント指標に対する主な批判は何ですか？
A. A. 政策立案者にとって理解するには複雑すぎる。
B. B. これは、汚染物質の毒性や再生不可能な資源の枯渇を考慮していない。
C. C. それはすべての地域における土地の生産性を過大評価している。
D. D. それは炭素排出のみに焦点を当てており、他の環境への影響を無視している。
✅ 正确答案
B. It does not consider the toxicity of pollutants or non-renewable resource depletion.
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