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.
❓ Какова основная обеспокоенность, высказанная критиками в отношении экономической оценки экосистемных услуг?
A. A. Он не обеспечивает достаточное финансирование природоохранных проектов.
B. B. Это сводит сложные экологические взаимосвязи к рыночным категориям и может подрывать внутренние ценности.
C. C. Он слишком сильно сосредоточен на культурных услугах в ущерб обеспечивающим услугам.
D. D. Было доказано, что она неэффективна во всех случаях восстановления водно-болотных угодий в Европе.
✅ 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