The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. While this theory gained prominence in the 19th century, it was later criticized for oversimplifying the complex interplay between culture and environment. Modern scholarship, however, has revived interest in a nuanced version of this idea, termed 'neo-environmentalism.' This approach acknowledges that environmental factors can influence economic productivity and political stability, but it rejects the deterministic view that geography alone dictates outcomes. Instead, it emphasizes the role of human innovation and institutional adaptation in mitigating or amplifying environmental constraints. For instance, countries with similar tropical climates often exhibit divergent economic trajectories, suggesting that policy decisions and historical contexts are equally critical. Thus, neo-environmentalism offers a balanced framework for understanding global disparities without falling into geographical reductionism.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main difference between traditional environmental determinism and neo-environmentalism?
A. Neo-environmentalism completely rejects any influence of geography on society.
B. Neo-environmentalism considers human factors as more important than environmental ones.
C. Neo-environmentalism allows for human agency while acknowledging environmental impact.
D. Neo-environmentalism focuses only on economic outcomes rather than cultural development.
✅ 正确答案
Neo-environmentalism allows for human agency while acknowledging environmental impact.
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