雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of sustainable development has evolved significantly since its introduction in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially framed as a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, it has since expanded to include social equity and intergenerational justice. Critics argue that the term is often co-opted by corporations to justify unsustainable practices, a phenomenon known as 'greenwashing.' However, proponents contend that sustainable development provides a necessary framework for policy-making, encouraging innovation in renewable energy and circular economies. A key challenge lies in measuring progress: traditional indicators like GDP fail to capture ecological degradation or social well-being. Consequently, alternative metrics, such as the Genuine Progress Indicator, have been proposed, though their adoption remains limited. Ultimately, the effectiveness of sustainable development hinges on political will and public engagement, rather than mere conceptual refinement.