The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in response to the disproportionate burden of pollution borne by marginalized communities. Scholars argue that such communities often lack the political and economic power to resist the siting of hazardous facilities, leading to a systematic pattern of environmental inequality. Empirical studies have shown that race and income are significant predictors of proximity to toxic waste sites, even after controlling for other factors. This has prompted policy shifts toward more inclusive decision-making processes, where affected residents are given a voice in environmental regulation. However, critics contend that mere procedural inclusion does not guarantee substantive equity, as deeper structural inequalities may persist. Thus, environmental justice remains a contested and evolving field, requiring both legal reform and grassroots activism to address its multifaceted challenges.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál de las siguientes es una razón clave por la cual las comunidades marginadas soportan una carga desproporcionada de contaminación?
A. A. Tienen un poder político y económico limitado para oponerse a la ubicación de instalaciones peligrosas.
B. B. Es más probable que trabajen en industrias contaminantes.
C. C. Prefieren vivir cerca de áreas industriales por las oportunidades de empleo.
D. D. Las regulaciones gubernamentales apuntan intencionalmente a estas comunidades.
✅ 正确答案
A. They have limited political and economic power to oppose hazardous facility siting.
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