IELTS Reading Practice: Challenges in International Cooperation on Climate Policy

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer various question types. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years: “Challenges in international cooperation on climate policy.” This subject has appeared in several past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to feature in future tests as well.

Climate change is a global issue that requires international cooperation, making it a rich source of material for IELTS Reading passages. Let’s dive into a practice exercise that will help you prepare for this type of content while honing your reading skills.

International climate policy challenges

Practice Reading Passage

The Global Challenge of Climate Change Cooperation

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, requiring urgent and coordinated action on a global scale. However, international cooperation on climate policy faces numerous challenges that hinder progress towards effective solutions. These obstacles range from economic concerns and political differences to varying levels of vulnerability and capacity among nations.

One of the primary challenges in international climate cooperation is the “free-rider” problem. Countries may be reluctant to take costly action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions if they believe others will not follow suit, potentially giving those nations an economic advantage. This dilemma is exacerbated by the global nature of climate change, where the actions of one country affect all others, regardless of their individual efforts.

Another significant hurdle is the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” This concept acknowledges that while all countries have a shared responsibility to address climate change, their historical contributions to the problem and their current capabilities to tackle it vary greatly. Developed nations, which have historically been the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, are expected to take the lead in mitigation efforts and provide financial and technological support to developing countries. However, agreeing on the extent of these responsibilities and the mechanisms for support has proven to be a contentious issue in international negotiations.

The diversity of national interests and priorities also complicates climate policy cooperation. Some countries heavily reliant on fossil fuel industries may resist rapid transitions to renewable energy sources due to concerns about economic disruption and job losses. Others, particularly small island nations and low-lying coastal countries, face existential threats from rising sea levels and are pushing for more ambitious global targets. Balancing these diverse interests in international agreements is a delicate and often frustrating process.

Short-term political cycles in many countries can also impede long-term climate action. Leaders may be hesitant to commit to policies that require immediate costs but offer benefits that may only become apparent after their term in office. This misalignment between political timelines and the long-term nature of climate change impacts can result in a lack of sustained commitment to international climate goals.

Furthermore, the complexity of climate science and the uncertainty surrounding specific local impacts can be weaponized by those opposing climate action. Misinformation and skepticism about the reality or severity of climate change can undermine public support for international cooperation and domestic policy implementation.

Despite these challenges, there have been notable successes in international climate cooperation, such as the Paris Agreement of 2015. This landmark accord brought together nearly all nations in a common cause to combat climate change and adapt to its effects. However, the voluntary nature of national commitments under the agreement and the lack of strong enforcement mechanisms highlight the ongoing difficulties in achieving truly effective global action.

As the impacts of climate change become more apparent and severe, the pressure for enhanced international cooperation continues to grow. Overcoming the challenges outlined above will require innovative diplomatic approaches, stronger institutional frameworks, and a shared recognition of the urgent need for collective action. The future of our planet depends on the ability of nations to work together in addressing this global threat, making it a critical area of focus for policymakers, diplomats, and citizens alike.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

1. The free-rider problem is a minor issue in international climate cooperation.
2. Developed nations are expected to provide financial support to developing countries for climate action.
3. All countries agree on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”
4. Small island nations are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
5. The Paris Agreement of 2015 includes strong enforcement mechanisms for national commitments.

Multiple Choice

6. What is one reason countries may be reluctant to take action on climate change?
   A) Fear of economic disadvantage
   B) Lack of scientific evidence
   C) Absence of international pressure
   D) Abundance of natural resources

7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge to international climate cooperation?
   A) Varying national interests
   B) Short-term political cycles
   C) Language barriers in negotiations
   D) Complexity of climate science

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage:

8. Paragraph 2: ____
9. Paragraph 3: ____
10. Paragraph 4: ____

A) Diverse National Priorities
B) The Free-Rider Dilemma
C) Shared Yet Distinct Responsibilities

Short Answer Questions

11. What term is used to describe the idea that all countries have a responsibility to address climate change, but to varying degrees? (Maximum 3 words)

12. Name one success in international climate cooperation mentioned in the passage. (Maximum 3 words)

Answer Key and Explanations

1. False – The passage states that the free-rider problem is “one of the primary challenges,” indicating it is a significant issue.

2. True – The text explicitly mentions that developed nations are “expected to take the lead in mitigation efforts and provide financial and technological support to developing countries.”

3. Not Given – While the principle is explained, the passage doesn’t state whether all countries agree on it.

4. True – The passage mentions that “small island nations and low-lying coastal countries face existential threats from rising sea levels.”

5. False – The text states that the Paris Agreement has a “lack of strong enforcement mechanisms.”

6. A – The passage mentions that countries may be “reluctant to take costly action” if they believe others won’t, potentially giving those nations “an economic advantage.”

7. C – Language barriers in negotiations are not mentioned as a challenge in the passage.

8. B – This paragraph discusses the free-rider problem in detail.

9. C – This paragraph explains the concept of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”

10. A – This paragraph discusses how diverse national interests and priorities complicate cooperation.

11. Common but differentiated responsibilities

12. Paris Agreement

Common Mistakes

When tackling a passage like this, students often make the following errors:

1. Overlooking key qualifiers in True/False/Not Given questions, such as “all” or “some.”
2. Choosing answers based on general knowledge rather than the information provided in the text.
3. Misinterpreting the “Not Given” option in True/False/Not Given questions.
4. Failing to identify synonyms or paraphrased ideas in the passage.
5. Not managing time effectively, spending too long on difficult questions.

Vocabulary

• Coordinated: (adjective) /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪtɪd/ – organized to work together effectively.
• Exacerbate: (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse.
• Mitigation: (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
• Contentious: (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement.
• Existential: (adjective) /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃl/ – relating to existence, especially human existence.

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of conditional sentences in discussions about climate policy:

• First Conditional: Used for realistic possibilities in the future.
  Example: “If countries cooperate effectively, we will see significant progress in climate action.”

• Second Conditional: Used for hypothetical or unlikely situations.
  Example: “If all nations immediately stopped using fossil fuels, global emissions would decrease dramatically.”

• Third Conditional: Used for impossible situations in the past.
  Example: “If international cooperation had started earlier, we might have avoided some of the current climate crises.”

Tips for Success

1. Practice active reading: Underline key points and make brief notes as you read.
2. Improve your vocabulary related to climate change and international relations.
3. Familiarize yourself with different question types and develop strategies for each.
4. Read widely on current global issues to build your background knowledge.
5. Time yourself when practicing to improve your speed and efficiency.

Remember, success in the IELTS Reading section comes from a combination of comprehension skills, vocabulary knowledge, and effective time management. Regular practice with complex texts on topics like international climate policy will help you build the confidence and skills needed to excel in your IELTS exam.

For more practice on related topics, check out our articles on the effects of climate change on global food security and challenges in managing global pandemics. These will provide additional context and vocabulary that could be useful in your IELTS preparation.