The concept of 'sustainable development' has evolved significantly since its popularization in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially, it was framed primarily as an environmental concern, focusing on the preservation of natural resources for future generations. However, contemporary scholarship argues that sustainability is a tripartite paradigm, encompassing not only ecological integrity but also economic viability and social equity. This holistic view posits that environmental degradation is often intertwined with issues of poverty and inequality, as marginalized communities disproportionately bear the burden of pollution and resource depletion. Consequently, effective sustainability policies must address these systemic social and economic factors, rather than merely implementing technological fixes. This shift in perspective has profound implications for international development agendas, urging a move away from purely growth-oriented models towards more inclusive and resilient strategies that prioritize human well-being and planetary health in tandem.
❓ 根据文章，可持续发展的最初理解与当代理解之间的一个关键区别是什么？
A. A) 当初の焦点は経済成長に置かれていたが、現代の焦点はもっぱら環境保護に置かれている。
B. B) 当初の焦点は主に環境面にありましたが、現代の視点では社会的・経済的側面も統合されています。
C. C) 現代の見解は、当初のアプローチとは異なり、技術的解決の必要性を否定している。
D. D) 現代の見解は、当初の見解とは異なり、現在の世代よりも将来の世代を優先する。
✅ 正确答案
B) The original focus was mainly environmental, while the contemporary view integrates social and economic dimensions.
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)
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