The concept of sustainable development has evolved significantly since its introduction in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially, it emphasized the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. However, contemporary scholars argue that this dualistic framework overlooks the critical role of social equity. Recent studies suggest that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing systemic inequalities, such as access to resources and decision-making power. For instance, marginalized communities often bear the brunt of environmental degradation, yet they are frequently excluded from policy discussions. Therefore, a more holistic approach is necessary, integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions into a cohesive framework. This shift reflects a growing recognition that sustainability is not merely an ecological or economic issue, but a fundamentally political one, requiring inclusive governance and redistributive justice.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of the original concept of sustainable development?
A. A. It focused too much on economic growth at the expense of the environment.
B. B. It failed to adequately incorporate the dimension of social equity.
C. C. It was based on outdated data from the 1980s.
D. D. It ignored the role of international organizations in policy-making.
✅ 正确答案
B. It failed to adequately incorporate the dimension of social equity.
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