雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental refugees' has gained traction in recent decades, yet it remains contentious within international law. Unlike traditional refugees who flee persecution, environmental refugees are displaced due to sudden or gradual changes in their natural environment, such as floods, droughts, or rising sea levels. Critics argue that the term lacks legal precision, as environmental factors often intertwine with economic and political drivers, making it difficult to establish a clear causal link. Proponents, however, contend that without formal recognition, millions of vulnerable people are denied access to international protection and aid. As climate change accelerates, the debate over whether to expand the existing refugee framework or create a new legal instrument becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the tension between national sovereignty and humanitarian responsibility.