The concept of 'sustainable development' has evolved significantly since its popularization in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially framed as a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, the term has increasingly been criticized for its vagueness and overuse. Scholars argue that the mainstream interpretation often prioritizes economic interests, relegating ecological concerns to a secondary status. This 'weak sustainability' model assumes that natural capital can be substituted by human-made capital, a premise contested by ecologists who advocate for 'strong sustainability', which posits that certain natural resources are irreplaceable and must be preserved independently of economic calculations. The debate highlights a fundamental tension: whether sustainability is a technical problem solvable through innovation or a normative challenge requiring a shift in societal values.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main point of contention between 'weak' and 'strong' sustainability?
A. A. Whether economic growth should be prioritized over environmental protection.
B. B. Whether natural capital can be replaced by human-made capital.
C. C. Whether the Brundtland Report's definition is still relevant today.
D. D. Whether technological innovation can solve environmental problems.
✅ 正确答案
B. Whether natural capital can be replaced by human-made capital.
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