The concept of 'ecological footprint' has gained prominence as a metric for assessing human impact on the environment. It quantifies the amount of biologically productive land and water area required to produce the resources an individual, population, or activity consumes, and to absorb the waste it generates, given prevailing technology and resource management. This measure contrasts with mere population density, as it accounts for consumption patterns and efficiency. For instance, a densely populated but resource-efficient nation may have a smaller per-capita footprint than a sparsely populated, consumption-heavy one. Critics argue that the metric oversimplifies complex environmental interdependencies, yet it remains a valuable tool for comparative sustainability studies, prompting policymakers to consider not just how many people inhabit a region, but how their lifestyles strain planetary boundaries.
❓ According to the passage, what is a key advantage of the ecological footprint over simple population density as a measure of environmental impact?
A. A. It directly measures the total amount of waste produced by a nation.
B. B. It incorporates both resource consumption and waste absorption needs.
C. C. It is easier to calculate for densely populated areas.
D. D. It ignores technological advancements in resource management.
✅ 正确答案
B. It incorporates both resource consumption and waste absorption needs.
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