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.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, một hạn chế lớn của việc sử dụng GDP làm thước đo tiến bộ là gì?
A. A) Nó quá nhấn mạnh đến công bằng xã hội.
B. B) Nó không tính đến thiệt hại môi trường hoặc phúc lợi xã hội.
C. C) Nó quá phức tạp để các nhà hoạch định chính sách có thể sử dụng một cách hiệu quả.
D. D) Nó thúc đẩy hành vi tẩy xanh (greenwashing) trong các tập đoàn.
✅ 正确答案
B) It does not account for environmental damage or social welfare.
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