The concept of 'environmental refugee' has gained traction in recent decades, yet its legal definition remains contentious. Unlike traditional refugees, who flee persecution, environmental migrants are displaced by slow-onset disasters such as sea-level rise or desertification. Scholars argue that the absence of a formal legal status leaves these individuals without international protection, as the 1951 Refugee Convention does not recognize climate-induced displacement. However, some legal experts propose extending the definition to include environmental factors, while others caution that such an expansion could dilute the convention's original purpose. This debate highlights the tension between humanitarian necessity and legal precision, raising questions about how international law should adapt to emerging global challenges.
❓ 環境難民が国際的な保護を受けられない主な理由は何ですか？
A. A. 彼らは家を離れることを強制されていない。
B. B. 1951年の難民条約は、気候変動による避難を対象としていない。
C. C. 彼らは自国に留まることを好む。
D. D. 国際機関には彼らを支援する資源がない。
✅ 正确答案
B. The 1951 Refugee Convention does not cover climate-induced displacement.
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