The concept of 'environmental migration' has gained significant attention in recent decades, yet its definition remains contested. While some scholars argue that environmental factors alone rarely drive migration, others contend that gradual environmental degradation, such as desertification or sea-level rise, can act as a 'threat multiplier' that exacerbates existing socio-economic vulnerabilities. A 2018 study by the World Bank projected that by 2050, over 140 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America could be forced to move within their own countries due to climate-related impacts on agriculture and water availability. However, critics caution that such projections often rely on deterministic models that overlook human agency and adaptive capacity. They emphasize that migration is a complex, multi-causal phenomenon, where environmental stressors interact with political instability, economic inequality, and demographic pressures. Consequently, policy responses must move beyond simplistic labels like 'climate refugee' and instead adopt integrated strategies that address root causes, including sustainable development and conflict resolution.
❓ According to the passage, what is a major criticism of projections like the World Bank's 2018 study?
A. They overestimate the role of human decision-making in migration.
B. They fail to consider that environmental factors are the sole drivers of migration.
C. They rely on models that may not account for people's ability to adapt.
D. They ignore the impact of sea-level rise on coastal populations.
✅ 正确答案
They rely on models that may not account for people's ability to adapt.
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