How Does Global Trade Affect Environmental Sustainability?

The IELTS Reading test challenges candidates with passages that assess a range of reading skills, from understanding the gist to making inferences. Topics on global trade and environmental sustainability are increasingly prevalent, reflecting current global debates. Given the interconnectedness of global markets and the environment, it is plausible that such topics will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Understanding this relationship is critical not only for the IELTS test but also for broader awareness of global issues.

In this article, we will delve into the topic “How Does Global Trade Affect Environmental Sustainability?”, providing a sample reading passage, questions, answers, and a detailed analysis. This comprehensive guide will help you gain insights and improve your reading skills for the IELTS test.

Main Content

1. Reading Passage

Global Trade and Environmental Sustainability: A Complex Relationship

Global trade has been a driving force behind economic growth and development for centuries. It has enabled nations to specialize in the production of goods and services in which they have a comparative advantage, thereby increasing efficiency and wealth. However, the environmental implications of global trade are multifaceted and often detrimental.

To begin with, the transportation of goods over long distances contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Ships, airplanes, and trucks are predominantly powered by fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This exacerbates climate change, leading to more frequent and severe weather events.

Cargo Ships and Pollution

Moreover, global trade can lead to environmental degradation in low and middle-income countries. These nations often have lax environmental regulations and are thus more susceptible to pollution from industrial activities. For example, the electronics industry in countries such as China and India produces substantial amounts of electronic waste, which contains hazardous substances like lead and mercury. Improper disposal of this waste can contaminate water supplies and soil, posing significant health risks to local populations.

On the other hand, global trade has the potential to foster environmental sustainability through the dissemination of green technologies and practices. Renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines can be exported to regions where they are needed most, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, international cooperation facilitated by trade agreements can lead to environmental policies that promote sustainable development.

Despite these possibilities, the net effect of global trade on environmental sustainability remains controversial. While some argue that trade encourages pollution through increased production and transportation, others contend that it promotes the efficient use of resources and the sharing of green technologies.

In conclusion, global trade presents both challenges and opportunities for environmental sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and civil society to implement policies that mitigate the negative impacts while enhancing the positive contributions of global trade to environmental sustainability.

2. Reading Questions

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

   • A. Global trade only benefits economic development.
   • B. Global trade has a solely detrimental impact on the environment.
   • C. Global trade affects the environment in both positive and negative ways.
   • D. Global trade is necessary for technological advancement.

2. How does global trade contribute to carbon emissions?

   • A. By promoting industrial activities irrespective of their location.
   • B. Through the transportation of goods over long distances.
   • C. By encouraging nations to specialize in particular goods and services.
   • D. By fostering the usage of renewable energy technologies.

3. Why are low and middle-income countries more susceptible to pollution from industrial activities?

   • A. They have advanced waste management systems.
   • B. They lack strict environmental regulations.
   • C. They import hazardous substances.
   • D. They have a lower demand for electronics.

4. How can global trade foster environmental sustainability?

   • A. By reducing the overall volume of traded goods.
   • B. By implementing policies that reduce carbon emissions.
   • C. By disseminating green technologies and practices.
   • D. By increasing economic growth and development.

5. What is a potential health risk mentioned in the passage related to global trade?

   • A. Climate change-induced extreme weather events.
   • B. Long-distance transportation accidents.
   • C. Contamination of water supplies and soil from electronic waste.
   • D. Higher prevalence of respiratory diseases due to industrial activities.

Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given

6. Global trade has enabled nations to specialize in the production of goods and services in which they lack a comparative advantage. (False)
7. Ships, airplanes, and trucks are predominantly powered by renewable energy sources. (False)
8. International trade can lead to environmental cooperation and sustainable development policies. (True)
9. The overall impact of global trade on environmental sustainability is unanimously agreed upon by experts. (Not Given)

3. Answer Key and Detailed Explanations

1. C. Global trade affects the environment in both positive and negative ways. (This choice best summarizes the passage’s discussion of both the benefits and downsides of global trade on the environment.)
2. B. Through the transportation of goods over long distances. (This is explicitly stated in the passage.)
3. B. They lack strict environmental regulations. (This is clearly mentioned as a reason for higher susceptibility to pollution.)
4. C. By disseminating green technologies and practices. (The passage discusses how global trade can spread renewable energy technologies.)
5. C. Contamination of water supplies and soil from electronic waste. (This risk is highlighted in the discussion on electronic waste in low and middle-income countries.)
6. False. (The passage states that nations specialize in goods and services in which they have a comparative advantage, not lack.)
7. False. (The passage clearly mentions that transportation is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, not renewable energy sources.)
8. True. (The passage mentions how trade can lead to international cooperation and sustainable policies.)
9. Not Given. (The passage mentions controversy but does not state that there is unanimous agreement among experts.)

4. Common Mistakes and Tips

• Misinterpreting Questions: Ensure you understand the question type and focus on specific keywords.
• Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Reading for Detail: Pay attention to specific details and data presented in the passages.

5. Vocabulary

• Comparative advantage (n.) [kəmˈpærətɪv ˈædvəntɪdʒ]: A principle stating that countries or entities benefit from specializing in the production of goods they produce most efficiently.
• Carbon emissions (n.) [ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz]: The release of carbon into the atmosphere, often resulting from fossil fuel combustion.

6. Grammar

• The Present Perfect Tense: Used to describe actions that happened at an unspecified time or have relevance to the present. Example: “Global trade has been a driving force behind economic growth.”
• Passive Voice: Often used in academic writing to highlight actions over those who perform the actions. Example: “Global trade can lead to environmental degradation.”

Recommendations

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Reading section:

• Consistent Practice: Regularly practice reading passages on various topics, especially current global issues like trade and sustainability.
• Vocabulary Building: Enhance your vocabulary related to different subjects to better understand the passages.
• Mock Tests: Take full-length practice tests to build stamina and improve time management skills.