Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects various aspects of our lives, including human migration patterns. This IELTS Reading practice test focuses on the topic “How climate change is driving global migration,” providing you with an opportunity to enhance your reading skills while learning about this crucial subject.
Introduction
In this IELTS Reading practice test, you will encounter three passages of increasing difficulty, each followed by a set of questions. The passages explore different aspects of climate change-induced migration, from its causes to its consequences and potential solutions. As you work through this practice test, pay attention to the vocabulary and sentence structures used, as they reflect the level of complexity you might encounter in an actual IELTS exam.
Passage 1 (Easy Text)
The Rising Tide of Climate Migrants
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting millions of people worldwide. One of the most significant consequences of this global phenomenon is the increasing number of climate migrants – individuals forced to leave their homes due to environmental changes. These changes can range from sudden natural disasters to gradual shifts in weather patterns that make certain areas uninhabitable.
The World Bank estimates that by 2050, there could be as many as 143 million climate migrants from just three regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. This mass movement of people is driven by various factors, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and prolonged droughts. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with many low-lying islands facing the threat of complete submersion in the coming decades.
Climate migration is not just a problem for developing countries. Even in wealthy nations, communities are being forced to relocate due to environmental changes. In the United States, for example, residents of Isle de Jean Charles in Louisiana have become some of the country’s first climate refugees, as their island home disappears into the Gulf of Mexico due to a combination of rising seas and land subsidence.
The impact of climate migration extends beyond those directly affected. Host communities often struggle to accommodate large influxes of climate refugees, leading to potential social and economic tensions. Moreover, the loss of ancestral lands and cultural heritage can have profound psychological effects on displaced populations.
As the effects of climate change intensify, addressing the needs of climate migrants will become an increasingly urgent global priority. This will require coordinated efforts from governments, international organizations, and local communities to develop sustainable solutions and support systems for those displaced by environmental changes.
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
- Climate change is causing people to move from their homes in some areas.
- The World Bank predicts that all climate migrants will come from developing countries.
- Coastal regions are more at risk from climate change effects than inland areas.
- Climate migration only affects poor nations.
- The psychological impact of climate migration on displaced populations is significant.
Questions 6-10
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
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By 2050, the World Bank estimates there could be 143 million climate migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and ___.
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In the United States, residents of ___ in Louisiana have become some of the country’s first climate refugees.
-
The island home of these U.S. climate refugees is disappearing due to rising seas and ___.
-
Large influxes of climate refugees can lead to social and ___ tensions in host communities.
-
Addressing the needs of climate migrants will require ___ efforts from various organizations and communities.
Passage 2 (Medium Text)
The Complexities of Climate-Induced Migration
The phenomenon of climate-induced migration is far more nuanced and complex than it might initially appear. While the direct link between climate change and human movement is evident in cases of sudden disasters or slow-onset environmental degradation, the decision to migrate is often influenced by a myriad of interconnected factors. Understanding these complexities is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions to address the challenges posed by climate-induced migration.
One of the primary challenges in studying climate-induced migration is the difficulty in isolating environmental factors from other drivers of migration. Economic, social, and political factors often intertwine with environmental changes, creating a complex web of motivations for migration. For instance, a prolonged drought may lead to crop failures, which in turn causes economic hardship, ultimately pushing people to seek better opportunities elsewhere. In such cases, while climate change is a root cause, it is not the sole factor driving migration.
Moreover, the impacts of climate change on migration patterns are not uniform across different regions and populations. Vulnerability to environmental changes varies significantly based on factors such as geographic location, socioeconomic status, and adaptive capacity. Communities with greater resources and resilience may be better equipped to adapt to changing conditions in situ, whereas more vulnerable populations might be forced to relocate.
The temporal and spatial dimensions of climate-induced migration add another layer of complexity. Migration can be temporary or permanent, internal or international, and can occur gradually or suddenly. For example, seasonal migration has long been a coping strategy for communities dealing with regular environmental stresses. However, as climate change exacerbates these stresses, temporary movements may become more frequent or evolve into permanent relocation.
Furthermore, the relationship between climate change and migration is not always linear or predictable. In some cases, environmental degradation can lead to trapped populations – people who lack the resources or opportunities to migrate, even when staying in place becomes increasingly untenable. This situation highlights the importance of considering both mobility and immobility in the context of climate change.
Addressing climate-induced migration requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply managing the movement of people. It necessitates efforts to mitigate climate change, enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities, and create sustainable development pathways that address the root causes of migration. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the need to protect the rights of climate migrants and develop legal frameworks that account for this emerging category of displaced persons.
As the global community grapples with the challenges of climate-induced migration, it is clear that solutions must be as nuanced and adaptable as the problem itself. This will require ongoing research, international cooperation, and innovative policy approaches that can respond to the dynamic and complex nature of human mobility in the face of environmental change.
Questions 11-15
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
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According to the passage, climate-induced migration is:
A) A simple and straightforward phenomenon
B) Solely caused by environmental factors
C) A complex issue influenced by multiple factors
D) Only relevant in developing countries -
The text suggests that studying climate-induced migration is challenging because:
A) There is a lack of data on migration patterns
B) Climate change effects are not visible yet
C) It’s difficult to separate environmental factors from other migration drivers
D) Researchers are not interested in the topic -
The passage indicates that vulnerability to climate change:
A) Is the same for all populations
B) Only affects poor countries
C) Varies based on several factors
D) Is not related to socioeconomic status -
According to the text, climate-induced migration can be:
A) Only permanent
B) Only temporary
C) Either temporary or permanent
D) Neither temporary nor permanent -
The concept of “trapped populations” refers to:
A) People who choose not to migrate
B) Communities that are isolated geographically
C) Individuals who lack resources to migrate despite worsening conditions
D) Populations that are immune to climate change effects
Questions 16-20
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Climate-induced migration is a complex issue influenced by various factors beyond just environmental changes. Studying this phenomenon is challenging due to the difficulty in (16) environmental factors from other migration drivers. The impact of climate change on migration is not uniform, as vulnerability varies based on factors such as location, socioeconomic status, and (17) . Migration can be temporary or permanent, and occur gradually or suddenly. In some cases, environmental degradation can lead to (18) , where people lack the means to relocate despite deteriorating conditions. Addressing climate-induced migration requires a (19) approach that includes efforts to mitigate climate change and enhance community resilience. There is also a need to develop (20) ___ that protect the rights of climate migrants.
Passage 3 (Hard Text)
The Geopolitical Implications of Climate-Induced Migration
The burgeoning phenomenon of climate-induced migration is poised to reshape the global geopolitical landscape in unprecedented ways. As environmental changes force millions to relocate, the ramifications extend far beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns, touching upon issues of national security, international relations, and the very fabric of the global order. This seismic shift in human mobility patterns presents a formidable challenge to existing governance structures and international frameworks, necessitating a radical rethinking of how nations and global institutions approach migration, borders, and sovereignty.
The scale and nature of climate-induced migration have the potential to exacerbate existing tensions and create new flashpoints in international relations. Large-scale population movements across borders can strain resources in receiving countries, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability. This is particularly concerning in regions already grappling with ethnic or religious conflicts, where an influx of climate migrants could upset delicate balances and reignite dormant tensions. Moreover, the uneven distribution of climate change impacts means that certain nations may bear a disproportionate burden in accommodating climate migrants, potentially leading to resentment and diplomatic friction.
The concept of national sovereignty, a cornerstone of the international system since the Peace of Westphalia, is likely to face unprecedented challenges in the face of climate-induced migration. As sea levels rise and render some nation-states partially or wholly uninhabitable, questions arise about the continuity of statehood and the rights of displaced populations. The potential emergence of “deterritorialized nations” – where a government represents a diaspora population without a corresponding territory – could fundamentally alter our understanding of statehood and citizenship.
Furthermore, climate-induced migration is likely to reconfigure power dynamics on the global stage. Countries with the capacity to accommodate large numbers of climate migrants may gain increased geopolitical leverage, while those facing significant outmigration could see their influence wane. This shift could lead to new alliances and rivalries, reshaping the global balance of power. Additionally, the ability to predict and manage climate-induced migration flows may become a critical aspect of national security strategies, potentially leading to increased investment in climate science and adaptation technologies as tools of geopolitical advantage.
The international legal framework surrounding migration and refugee protection, primarily based on the 1951 Refugee Convention, is ill-equipped to address the complexities of climate-induced displacement. The convention’s focus on persecution as the basis for refugee status does not account for environmental factors, leaving climate migrants in a legal limbo. This lacuna in international law has spurred debates about the need for new legal instruments or the expansion of existing frameworks to protect the rights of climate migrants.
The intersection of climate change, migration, and geopolitics also raises profound ethical questions about global justice and responsibility. Historical greenhouse gas emissions have largely come from developed nations, yet the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect developing countries. This asymmetry between causation and consequence adds a layer of moral complexity to the issue of climate-induced migration, potentially influencing international negotiations on climate action and migration management.
As the world grapples with these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in global governance. Traditional notions of security focused on military threats are being expanded to encompass human security, which includes environmental and climatic dimensions. This holistic approach to security may pave the way for more cooperative international responses to climate-induced migration, viewing it not just as a threat to be managed but as a shared global challenge requiring collective action.
The geopolitical implications of climate-induced migration underscore the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and political systems in the 21st century. As the world navigates this uncharted territory, the ability to develop innovative, flexible, and just approaches to managing climate-induced migration will be crucial in shaping the future global order. This will require unprecedented levels of international cooperation, foresight, and a willingness to reimagine fundamental concepts of statehood, sovereignty, and global responsibility.
Questions 21-26
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Climate-induced migration is set to have significant geopolitical implications, affecting national security, international relations, and the global order. Large-scale population movements can (21) and create new conflicts in international relations. The concept of (22) may face challenges as some nations become uninhabitable due to rising sea levels. This could lead to the emergence of (23) , where governments represent displaced populations without a physical territory. Climate-induced migration may also (24) on the global stage, with countries able to accommodate migrants potentially gaining influence. The current international legal framework, based on the 1951 Refugee Convention, is (25) to address climate-induced displacement. This situation has led to debates about the need for new legal instruments to protect climate migrants’ rights. The issue also raises ethical questions about global justice, given the (26) between historical emissions and climate change impacts.
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
- Climate-induced migration will only affect developing countries.
- The ability to predict and manage climate migration flows may become a crucial aspect of national security strategies.
- The 1951 Refugee Convention adequately addresses the needs of climate migrants.
- Developed nations are primarily responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions.
- All countries agree on how to address climate-induced migration.
- A holistic approach to security may lead to more cooperative responses to climate-induced migration.
Questions 33-40
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
-
Climate-induced migration presents a challenge to existing ___ structures and international frameworks.
-
Large-scale population movements can strain resources in receiving countries, potentially leading to social unrest and ___.
-
The concept of ___ is likely to face unprecedented challenges due to climate-induced migration.
-
Countries that can accommodate large numbers of climate migrants may gain increased ___.
-
The international legal framework surrounding migration and refugee protection is based primarily on the ___.
-
The ___ between causation and consequence of climate change adds moral complexity to the issue of climate-induced migration.
-
There is a growing recognition of the need for a ___ in global governance to address climate-induced migration.
-
Managing climate-induced migration will require unprecedented levels of international ___ and foresight.
Answer Key
Passage 1
- TRUE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- Latin America
- Isle de Jean Charles
- land subsidence
- economic
- coordinated
Passage 2
- C
- C
- C
- C
- C
- isolating
- adaptive capacity
- trapped populations
- multifaceted
- legal frameworks
Passage 3
- exacerbate existing tensions
- national sovereignty
- deterritorialized nations
- reconfigure power dynamics
- ill-equipped
- asymmetry
- NO
- YES
- NO
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- YES
- governance
- political instability
- national sovereignty
- geopolitical leverage
- 1951 Refugee Convention
- asymmetry
- paradigm shift
- cooperation
As you can see, this IELTS Reading practice test covers various aspects of how climate change is driving global migration. It provides an opportunity to enhance your reading skills while learning about this crucial global issue. Remember to practice regularly and familiarize yourself with different question types to improve your performance in the IELTS Reading test.
For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Impact of Climate Change on Global Agricultural Systems
- How to Tackle the Issue of Climate Refugees
- How Climate Change is Affecting Global Water Supplies
These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary related to climate change and its global impacts, which can be beneficial for your IELTS preparation.