The concept of 'environmental debt' has gained traction among economists as a framework for understanding the long-term costs of resource depletion. Unlike financial debt, which is quantifiable and governed by contractual obligations, environmental debt is diffuse and often externalized to future generations. For instance, carbon emissions from industrial activities accumulate in the atmosphere, creating a liability that manifests as climate change. This debt is not merely ecological; it imposes economic burdens, such as reduced agricultural productivity and increased healthcare costs. Some scholars argue that conventional GDP metrics fail to account for this depletion, leading to policy decisions that prioritize short-term growth over sustainability. To address this, alternative indicators, like the Genuine Progress Indicator, have been proposed, but their adoption remains limited due to political and methodological challenges. Ultimately, recognizing environmental debt requires a paradigm shift in how we value natural capital, moving beyond market prices to incorporate intergenerational equity.
❓ According to the passage, why do conventional GDP metrics fail to address environmental debt?
A. A) They focus only on financial obligations, not ecological ones.
B. B) They do not measure the economic costs of resource depletion and long-term environmental damage.
C. C) They are too complex for policymakers to implement effectively.
D. D) They prioritize short-term growth over sustainability by design.
✅ 正确答案
B) They do not measure the economic costs of resource depletion and long-term environmental damage.
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