The concept of 'environmental carrying capacity' has long been central to ecological theory, yet its application to human societies remains contentious. Unlike natural ecosystems, where population growth is typically regulated by resource availability and predation, human communities can temporarily exceed their carrying capacity through technological innovation and trade. However, such overshoot often leads to resource depletion and environmental degradation, which may ultimately undermine the very systems that support the population. Recent studies suggest that sustainable development requires not only technological advances but also fundamental shifts in consumption patterns and social organization. This perspective challenges the optimistic assumption that human ingenuity alone can indefinitely postpone ecological limits, emphasizing instead the need for proactive management of natural resources within planetary boundaries.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es una limitación importante de depender únicamente de la innovación tecnológica para abordar los límites ambientales?
A. A. A menudo conduce a un aumento de la depredación en los ecosistemas naturales.
B. B. Puede causar un exceso temporal, pero no logra prevenir el agotamiento de recursos a largo plazo.
C. C. Es menos eficaz que el comercio para sustentar a las poblaciones humanas.
D. D. Elimina la necesidad de cambios en los patrones de consumo.
✅ 正确答案
B. It may cause temporary overshoot but fails to prevent long-term 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