The concept of 'ecological footprint' has gained significant traction in environmental policy discussions over the past two decades. Defined as the amount of biologically productive land and water area required to sustain a population's consumption and waste absorption, this metric provides a tangible measure of human demand on nature. However, critics argue that the footprint fails to account for technological innovations that can enhance resource efficiency, thereby potentially overestimating the environmental impact of developed nations. Conversely, proponents contend that the metric serves as a crucial warning mechanism, highlighting unsustainable consumption patterns that exceed planetary boundaries. Recent studies suggest that integrating the footprint with other socio-economic indicators, such as income inequality and energy intensity, could yield a more nuanced understanding of sustainability challenges, especially in rapidly industrializing regions.
❓ Какая основная критика метрики экологического следа упоминается в отрывке?
A. Он не учитывает влияние технологического прогресса на использование ресурсов.
B. Оно переоценивает воздействие на окружающую среду со стороны развивающихся стран.
C. Он игнорирует роль неравенства доходов в устойчивости.
D. Он не обеспечивает измеримого показателя воздействия человеческого спроса на природу.
✅ 正确答案
It does not consider the effects of technological advancements on resource use.
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