The concept of 'environmental justice' emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in response to the disproportionate burden of pollution and hazardous waste facilities borne by low-income communities and communities of color. Empirical studies have consistently shown that such neighborhoods are more likely to host polluting industries, partly due to historical zoning practices and the relative lack of political influence. However, recent scholarship suggests that the problem is not merely distributive but also procedural, as these communities often face barriers to meaningful participation in environmental decision-making processes. Consequently, advocates argue that achieving environmental justice requires not only the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens but also the empowerment of affected populations to shape policies that affect their environment. This dual focus on outcome and process has broadened the scope of environmental policy analysis, integrating social equity considerations into what was once a purely technical or scientific field.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es una limitación clave del análisis tradicional de políticas ambientales que el concepto de justicia ambiental busca abordar?
A. A. No tiene en cuenta los aspectos técnicos del control de la contaminación.
B. B. Ignora las causas históricas de la localización industrial.
C. C. Pasa por alto la necesidad de una distribución justa y de una toma de decisiones inclusiva.
D. D. Se centra demasiado en empoderar a las comunidades locales.
✅ 正确答案
C. It overlooks the need for fair distribution and inclusive 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