The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the 1980s, driven by evidence that marginalized communities disproportionately bear the burden of pollution and hazardous waste. Scholars argue that this disparity is not accidental but results from systemic inequalities in land-use planning and regulatory enforcement. For instance, studies in the United States have shown that toxic facilities are more likely to be sited in low-income neighborhoods and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities. This pattern persists despite decades of environmental legislation, suggesting that procedural mechanisms alone are insufficient. To address this, advocates propose integrating equity assessments into policy-making and ensuring meaningful public participation from affected groups. Such reforms aim not merely to redistribute risks but to transform the underlying power structures that perpetuate environmental harm.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿por qué las comunidades marginadas continúan enfrentando cargas ambientales desproporcionadas a pesar de la legislación existente?
A. Porque las leyes ambientales están deliberadamente sesgadas en contra de estas comunidades.
B. B) Porque los mecanismos procesales por sí solos no pueden corregir las desigualdades sistémicas en la toma de decisiones.
C. C) Porque estas comunidades carecen de la experiencia técnica para abordar la contaminación.
D. D) Porque las instalaciones peligrosas son más rentables cuando se ubican cerca de áreas de bajos ingresos.
✅ 正确答案
B) Because procedural mechanisms alone cannot rectify systemic inequalities in decision-making.
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