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.
❓ 본문에 따르면, 맹그로브와 해초와 같은 연안 생태계가 기후 완화에 특히 중요한 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A) 그들은 해양 표면의 상당 부분을 덮고 있으며, 해양 탄소의 대부분을 저장합니다.
B. B) 그들은 육상 기반 숲보다 면적당 훨씬 더 높은 비율로 탄소를 흡수합니다.
C. C) 그들은 해안 개발로 인해 모든 탄소가 방출되는 것을 방지한다.
D. D) 그들은 다른 생태계보다 해수면 상승에 더 회복력이 있다.
✅ 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