The concept of 'ecological footprint' has become a central metric in sustainability discourse, quantifying the demand placed on Earth's ecosystems by human activities. It measures the biologically productive land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and to absorb the waste generated, given prevailing technology and resource management practices. While the metric offers a powerful tool for raising awareness about overconsumption, its utility in policy-making is debated. Critics argue that the footprint simplifies complex ecological impacts into a single unit, potentially overlooking regional variations in ecosystem resilience and the substitutability of natural capital. Proponents, however, contend that its standardized methodology enables cross-country comparisons and highlights global inequities in resource use, making it an indispensable advocacy instrument despite its limitations.
❓ What is the main point of contention regarding the ecological footprint metric, as described in the passage?
A. A. It fails to account for technological advancements in resource management.
B. B. Its standardized methodology prevents meaningful cross-country comparisons.
C. C. It may oversimplify ecological impacts but remains useful for advocacy.
D. D. It overemphasizes regional differences in ecosystem resilience.
✅ 正确答案
C. It may oversimplify ecological impacts but remains useful for advocacy.
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