The concept of ecosystem services has gained prominence in environmental policy, yet its economic valuation remains contentious. Proponents argue that assigning monetary values to services such as pollination or water purification encourages conservation by integrating nature into market mechanisms. Critics, however, contend that this utilitarian approach oversimplifies complex ecological interdependencies and risks commodifying intrinsic natural values. A recent study of wetland restoration projects in Europe revealed that while cost-benefit analyses often justify investments, they frequently omit non-material cultural services, leading to skewed priorities. This suggests that valuation frameworks must evolve to incorporate pluralistic values, balancing quantitative metrics with qualitative assessments to achieve sustainable outcomes.
❓ 批評家たちが生態系サービスの経済的評価に関して提起する主な懸念は何ですか？
A. A. それは保護プロジェクトに対して十分な資金を提供できていない。
B. B. それは複雑な生態学的関係を市場の用語に還元し、内在的価値を損なう可能性がある。
C. C. それは、供給サービスを犠牲にして文化的サービスに重点を置きすぎている。
D. D. それは、ヨーロッパのすべての湿地回復事例において効果がないことが証明されている。
✅ 正确答案
B. It reduces complex ecological relationships to market terms and may undermine intrinsic values.
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