The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been largely discredited in modern geography. Critics argue that it oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions and ignores the role of human agency, technology, and cultural adaptation. However, a nuanced perspective, often termed 'possibilism,' acknowledges that while the environment imposes certain constraints, it does not dictate outcomes. Instead, it offers a range of possibilities, and human choices within these limits are influenced by historical, social, and economic factors. This framework has gained traction in studies of climate change adaptation, where communities' resilience is seen not merely as a product of their physical environment, but as a dynamic interplay between environmental risks, institutional capacity, and local knowledge. Thus, contemporary research emphasizes the need to move beyond crude causal links and towards a more integrated understanding of socio-environmental systems.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чём заключается основной недостаток «экологического детерминизма»?
A. Он не учитывает роль человеческого выбора и культурных факторов.
B. Это переоценивает влияние технологий на общество.
C. Он игнорирует физические ограничения окружающей среды.
D. Он слишком много внимания уделяет институциональному потенциалу.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for the role of human choices and cultural factors.
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