The concept of 'blue carbon' refers to the carbon captured by the world's oceanic and coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These habitats, although covering less than 2% of the ocean surface, account for approximately 50% of all carbon buried in marine sediments. Recent research has highlighted their disproportionate role in climate mitigation, as they sequester carbon at rates up to four times higher than terrestrial forests. However, these ecosystems are under severe threat from coastal development and rising sea levels, leading to the release of stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Conservation efforts, therefore, are not merely a matter of biodiversity preservation but also a critical strategy for climate change adaptation, as protecting and restoring these habitats can enhance coastal resilience and provide long-term carbon sinks.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿por qué son particularmente importantes los ecosistemas costeros como los manglares y los pastos marinos para la mitigación del cambio climático?
A. Cubren una gran parte de la superficie oceánica y almacenan la mayor parte del carbono del océano.
B. B) Absorben carbono a una tasa mucho más alta por área que los bosques terrestres.
C. C) Evitan que todo el carbono sea liberado por el desarrollo costero.
D. D) Son más resilientes al aumento del nivel del mar que otros ecosistemas.
✅ 正确答案
B) They absorb carbon at a much higher rate per area than land-based forests.
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