The concept of 'environmental refugees' has gained traction in recent decades, yet its definition remains contentious. Unlike traditional refugees, who flee persecution, environmental migrants are displaced by gradual ecological changes such as desertification, sea-level rise, and resource scarcity. Scholars argue that the term 'refugee' inaccurately implies a temporary, reversible situation, whereas environmental displacement is often permanent and driven by complex socio-economic factors. Moreover, international law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, does not recognize environmental causes as grounds for asylum, leaving affected populations without formal protection. This legal gap has prompted calls for a new international framework that addresses both prevention and adaptation strategies, acknowledging that environmental migration is not merely a humanitarian crisis but a structural consequence of global inequality and unsustainable development.
❓ 지문에 따르면, '환경 난민'이라는 용어가 문제가 있다고 여겨지는 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A) 이는 변위가 종종 일시적이고 가역적임을 시사한다.
B. B) 그것은 글로벌 불평등의 역할을 인정하지 못한다.
C. C) 그것은 국제법에 의해 인정되지 않는다.
D. D) 그것은 점진적인 생태 변화에만 적용된다.
✅ 正确答案
A) It suggests that the displacement is often temporary and reversible.
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