IELTS Reading Practice: The Role of International Organizations in Environmental Protection

Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focusing on “The Role of International Organizations in Environmental Protection.” This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for the IELTS Reading test by providing a full-length practice test with three passages of increasing difficulty, along with a variety of question types and answer keys.

Introduction

The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand and interpret complex texts on various topics. In this practice test, we’ll explore the crucial role that international organizations play in addressing global environmental challenges. This topic is particularly relevant for the IELTS exam, as it combines elements of politics, science, and social issues.

IELTS Reading Practice Test

Passage 1 (Easy Text)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established in 1972. As the principal UN body in the field of the environment, UNEP plays a significant role in promoting the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the UN system. It serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, setting the global environmental agenda and promoting the coherent implementation of sustainable development within the UN system.

UNEP’s work encompasses a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, and resource efficiency. The organization works with various partners, including other UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to address these complex challenges.

One of UNEP’s key initiatives is the Global Environment Outlook (GEO), a series of reports on the environment that provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of the global environment, as well as key trends and future scenarios. These reports serve as an important tool for policymakers and other stakeholders in understanding environmental challenges and developing effective responses.

UNEP also plays a crucial role in facilitating international environmental agreements. It serves as the secretariat for several multilateral environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Through these agreements, UNEP helps to coordinate global efforts to address specific environmental issues and promote sustainable development.

In recent years, UNEP has placed a strong emphasis on promoting the concept of a “green economy,” which aims to improve human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. This approach seeks to integrate environmental considerations into economic decision-making and promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

As the world faces increasingly complex environmental challenges, UNEP’s role in coordinating global environmental efforts and promoting sustainable development remains more important than ever. By providing leadership and encouraging partnerships in caring for the environment, UNEP works to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

unep-headquarters|UNEP Headquarters|Modern building with UNEP logo, surrounded by greenery, symbolizing environmental sustainability.

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. UNEP was established in the 1980s.
2. The Global Environment Outlook reports are published annually.
3. UNEP serves as the secretariat for all international environmental agreements.
4. The green economy concept aims to improve human well-being and social equity.
5. UNEP works exclusively with other UN entities to address environmental challenges.

Questions 6-10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

6. UNEP is recognized as an ___ for the global environment.
7. The organization addresses various environmental issues, including climate change and ___.
8. UNEP facilitates ___ to coordinate global efforts on specific environmental issues.
9. The green economy approach seeks to integrate ___ into economic decision-making.
10. UNEP aims to enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising ___.

Passage 2 (Medium Text)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change. Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the IPCC provides policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and potential adaptation and mitigation options.

The IPCC’s work is characterized by its comprehensive and objective approach to evaluating climate change research. The organization does not conduct its own research; instead, it assesses thousands of scientific papers published each year to provide a comprehensive summary of what is known about the drivers of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and how adaptation and mitigation can reduce those risks. The IPCC’s assessments are written by hundreds of leading scientists who volunteer their time and expertise as Coordinating Lead Authors and Lead Authors of the reports.

One of the most significant outputs of the IPCC is its Assessment Reports, which are published every 5-7 years. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of the latest climate science and are divided into three working group contributions: The Physical Science Basis; Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability; and Mitigation of Climate Change. Each working group report undergoes a rigorous review process involving experts and governments to ensure the highest level of scientific integrity and policy relevance.

The IPCC’s findings have been instrumental in shaping global climate policy. The organization’s First Assessment Report in 1990 played a crucial role in the creation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was adopted in 1992. Subsequent reports have continued to inform international climate negotiations, including the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015.

In addition to its comprehensive Assessment Reports, the IPCC also produces Special Reports on specific topics. These reports provide timely assessments on issues that require rapid response from the scientific community. For example, the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, published in 2018, was a key input to the UNFCCC’s Talanoa Dialogue, which aimed to take stock of collective efforts towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The IPCC’s work is not without challenges. The organization must navigate the complex interface between science and policy, maintaining its scientific integrity while providing information that is relevant and actionable for policymakers. Additionally, the IPCC must continually adapt to advances in climate science and evolving policy needs.

Despite these challenges, the IPCC remains a crucial institution in the global response to climate change. Its assessments provide the scientific foundation for international climate negotiations and inform national and local decision-making on climate action. As the world grapples with the increasingly urgent threat of climate change, the role of the IPCC in providing authoritative scientific assessments will continue to be of paramount importance.

ipcc-report|IPCC Climate Change Report|A stack of IPCC reports, highlighting their thickness and complexity, representing the extensive scientific knowledge on climate change.

Questions 11-14

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

11. The primary function of the IPCC is to:
    A) Conduct original research on climate change
    B) Implement climate change policies
    C) Assess and summarize existing climate change research
    D) Fund climate change adaptation projects

12. The IPCC’s Assessment Reports are published:
    A) Annually
    B) Every 2-3 years
    C) Every 5-7 years
    D) Every 10 years

13. The IPCC’s First Assessment Report contributed to:
    A) The creation of the World Meteorological Organization
    B) The establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme
    C) The adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    D) The signing of the Kyoto Protocol

14. Special Reports produced by the IPCC:
    A) Replace the need for Assessment Reports
    B) Focus on specific topics requiring rapid scientific response
    C) Are published more frequently than Assessment Reports
    D) Are written exclusively by government officials

Questions 15-19

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The IPCC, established in 1988, is responsible for assessing climate change science. It evaluates thousands of 15 each year to provide comprehensive summaries. The organization’s main output is its 16, which are divided into three working group contributions. These reports undergo a rigorous 17 involving experts and governments. The IPCC’s findings have been crucial in shaping 18. Despite facing challenges, the IPCC remains vital in providing 19___ for international climate negotiations and decision-making.

Question 20

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

20. Which of the following best describes the main challenge faced by the IPCC?
    A) Securing funding for climate research
    B) Conducting original scientific studies
    C) Balancing scientific integrity with policy relevance
    D) Implementing global climate change policies

Passage 3 (Hard Text)

The Complex Web of International Environmental Governance

The realm of international environmental governance is a intricate tapestry woven from numerous organizations, treaties, and informal arrangements. This complex system has evolved over decades in response to growing global environmental challenges, reflecting the multifaceted nature of environmental issues and the diverse interests of nations and stakeholders involved.

At the heart of this system lies the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), established in 1972 as the primary UN body for environmental issues. However, UNEP is far from being the sole player in this arena. A plethora of other UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), all have significant environmental mandates within their broader portfolios.

Complementing these UN bodies are numerous Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), each focusing on specific environmental issues. These include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), among others. Each of these agreements has its own governance structure, including Conferences of the Parties (COPs) that serve as decision-making bodies.

The proliferation of these agreements and institutions has led to what some scholars term a “regime complex” for environmental governance. This network of partially overlapping and non-hierarchical institutions governing a particular issue-area presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows for specialized focus on specific environmental problems and provides multiple venues for addressing these issues. On the other hand, it can lead to fragmentation, duplication of efforts, and potential conflicts between different regimes.

Adding another layer of complexity are the myriad non-state actors involved in environmental governance. These include international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which play crucial roles in advocacy, research, and on-the-ground conservation efforts. Additionally, private sector entities, ranging from multinational corporations to industry associations, increasingly engage in environmental governance processes, recognizing the business implications of environmental regulations and the opportunities in sustainable practices.

Intergovernmental organizations outside the UN system also contribute significantly to environmental governance. The World Bank, for instance, has become a major funder of environmental projects globally, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) provides important policy analysis and recommendations on environmental issues for its member countries.

The effectiveness of this complex system in addressing global environmental challenges has been a subject of ongoing debate. Critics argue that the current architecture is too fragmented and lacks coherence, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in environmental protection. They point to the continued degradation of ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and the insufficient global response to climate change as evidence of the system’s shortcomings.

Proponents, however, argue that the diversity of institutions allows for experimentation and innovation in governance approaches. They contend that the system’s flexibility enables it to address the inherent complexity of environmental issues, which often span multiple sectors and require diverse expertise.

international-cooperation-environment|International Cooperation for Environmental Protection|Representatives from different countries around a table with flags, actively discussing and collaborating on environmental issues.

Efforts to enhance coordination and coherence within this system have been ongoing. The creation of the UN System-wide Framework of Strategies on the Environment (SWFS) in 2016 was one such attempt to promote greater collaboration among UN entities on environmental issues. Similarly, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), established in 1992, serves as a financial mechanism for several MEAs, helping to align funding with global environmental priorities.

As global environmental challenges continue to evolve and intensify, the international environmental governance system must adapt. Emerging issues such as marine plastic pollution, the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, and the intersection of climate change with other global challenges necessitate new forms of cooperation and governance arrangements.

The future effectiveness of international environmental governance will depend on its ability to balance the benefits of specialization and diversity with the need for coherence and coordinated action. It will require innovative approaches to bridge institutional divides, leverage the strengths of diverse actors, and respond rapidly to emerging environmental threats. As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges, the evolution of this complex governance system will be crucial in determining our collective ability to achieve sustainable development and safeguard the planet for future generations.

Questions 21-26

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

International environmental governance involves a complex system of organizations, treaties, and arrangements. While UNEP is a key player, many other UN agencies also have important 21 related to the environment. Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) focus on specific issues and have their own 22. This network of institutions is sometimes referred to as a 23 for environmental governance. Non-state actors, including NGOs and 24, also play significant roles. The World Bank has become a major 25 of environmental projects. The effectiveness of this system is debated, with some arguing it’s too 26, while others appreciate its flexibility.

Questions 27-32

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?

Write

YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

27. The current international environmental governance system is universally regarded as effective.
28. Non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in environmental advocacy and research.
29. The World Bank is the largest funder of environmental projects globally.
30. The creation of the UN System-wide Framework of Strategies on the Environment has successfully resolved all coordination issues within the UN system.
31. The Global Environment Facility helps align funding with global environmental priorities.
32. The international environmental governance system is well-prepared to address all emerging environmental challenges.

Questions 33-36

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

33. According to the passage, the “regime complex” in environmental governance:
    A) Ensures perfect coordination among all environmental institutions
    B) Leads to inefficiency and conflicts between different regimes
    C) Provides both opportunities and challenges in addressing environmental issues
    D) Is a hierarchical structure that simplifies decision-making processes

34. The passage suggests that private sector entities engage in environmental governance because:
    A) They are legally required to do so
    B) They recognize the business implications and opportunities
    C) They aim to replace the role of governments in environmental protection
    D) They are pressured by international organizations to participate

35. Critics of the current international environmental governance system argue that:
    A) It is too centralized and rigid
    B) It focuses too much on climate change at the expense of other issues
    C) It is too fragmented and lacks coherence
    D) It gives too much power to non-state actors

36. The passage concludes that the future effectiveness of international environmental governance will depend on:
    A) Centralizing all decision-making power in one global institution
    B) Eliminating the involvement of non-state actors
    C) Balancing specialization and diversity with coherence and coordination
    D) Focusing exclusively on climate change mitigation

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. FALSE
2. NOT GIVEN
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. FALSE
6. authoritative advocate
7. ecosystem management
8. international environmental agreements
9. environmental considerations
10. future generations

Passage 2

11. C
12. C
13. C
14. B
15. scientific papers
16. Assessment Reports
17. review process
18. global climate policy
19. authoritative scientific assessments
20. C

Passage 3

21. environmental mandates
22. governance structure
23. regime complex
24. private sector entities
25. funder
26. fragmented
27. NO
28. YES
29. NOT GIVEN
30. NOT GIVEN
31. YES
32. NO
33. C
34. B
35. C
36. C

Conclusion

This IELTS Reading practice test on “The Role of International Organizations in Environmental Protection” has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the topic while allowing you to practice various question types typically found in the IELTS Reading test. Remember to analyze the passages carefully, paying attention to key details and the overall structure of the text.

For more practice on related topics, you may want to check out our articles on The Role of Renewable Energy in Developing Countries and The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Sustainability. These resources will help you expand your vocabulary and knowledge on environmental and sustainability topics, which are frequently feature