The concept of 'environmental justice' has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1980s. Initially, it focused on the disproportionate exposure of minority and low-income communities to environmental hazards. However, contemporary scholarship extends this framework to include procedural justice, which demands equitable participation in environmental decision-making processes. Recent studies indicate that even when distributional outcomes are improved, marginalized groups often remain excluded from policy forums due to systemic barriers such as language, literacy, and lack of technical expertise. This exclusion perpetuates a cycle of environmental inequality. Therefore, achieving true environmental justice requires not only redistributive policies but also transformative measures that empower communities through education and capacity-building. Without addressing these underlying power asymmetries, formal legal protections may remain ineffective in practice.
❓ According to the passage, what is a major limitation of focusing only on the distributional aspects of environmental justice?
A. A) It fails to address the root causes of environmental hazards.
B. B) It overlooks the need for marginalized groups to participate in decision-making processes.
C. C) It does not consider the health impacts on minority communities.
D. D) It relies too heavily on legal protections that are often ignored.
✅ 正确答案
B) It overlooks the need for marginalized groups to participate in decision-making processes.
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