The concept of 'sustainable urbanism' has evolved significantly over the past decade, moving beyond mere environmental concerns to encompass social equity and economic viability. Critics argue that many so-called 'green cities' prioritize technological fixes, such as energy-efficient buildings, while neglecting the systemic issues of affordable housing and public transport accessibility. However, recent studies suggest that integrated planning approaches, which involve local communities in decision-making processes, yield more resilient outcomes. For instance, participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, has not only reduced corruption but also improved infrastructure in marginalized neighborhoods. Yet, such models face scalability challenges in megacities, where governance is fragmented and stakeholder interests are diverse. Thus, sustainable urbanism requires a delicate balance between top-down regulation and bottom-up innovation, a tension that remains unresolved in current policy frameworks.
❓ According to the passage, what is a major limitation of the 'green cities' approach?
A. It focuses too much on economic growth at the expense of the environment.
B. It emphasizes technological solutions while overlooking social issues like housing and transport.
C. It fails to involve local communities in any decision-making processes.
D. It is only applicable in small cities with homogeneous populations.
✅ 正确答案
It emphasizes technological solutions while overlooking social issues like housing and transport.
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