The concept of sustainable development has evolved significantly since its popularization in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially focused on environmental protection, it now encompasses economic viability and social equity. However, critics argue that the term has become so broad as to lose its analytical precision, often used to legitimize conflicting agendas. For instance, some corporations employ 'greenwashing' to present environmentally harmful practices as sustainable, while governments may prioritize economic growth over ecological limits. This ambiguity underscores the need for more rigorous frameworks that integrate measurable ecological indicators with socioeconomic factors, ensuring that sustainability is not merely a rhetorical device but a practical guide for policy-making.
❓ Согласно тексту, какова основная критика концепции устойчивого развития?
A. A. Он слишком много внимания уделяет экономическому росту в ущерб окружающей среде.
B. B. Оно стало слишком расплывчатым и часто злоупотребляется для оправдания противоположных действий.
C. C. Это игнорирует роль корпораций в деградации окружающей среды.
D. D. Ей не хватает поддержки со стороны международных организаций, таких как ООН.
✅ 正确答案
B. It has become too vague and is often misused to justify opposing actions.
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