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.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чем заключается основной пункт разногласий между «слабой» и «сильной» устойчивостью?
A. A. Следует ли отдавать приоритет экономическому росту над защитой окружающей среды.
B. B. Можно ли заменить природный капитал искусственным капиталом, созданным человеком.
C. C. Является ли определение, данное в докладе Брундтланд, актуальным сегодня.
D. D. Способны ли технологические инновации решить экологические проблемы.
✅ 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