The IELTS Reading section is a crucial part of the IELTS exam, requiring candidates to understand and analyze written passages quickly and accurately. One topic that has been increasingly relevant and may appear in the test is “How does the global economy impact environmental sustainability?” This subject has gained prominence due to the growing emphasis on sustainable development and the ongoing discussion about the interplay between economic activities and environmental health.
Understanding this concept can not only help you perform better in the IELTS Reading section but also broaden your knowledge on a subject that is relevant to global issues today. Whether you encounter this exact topic or a similar one, preparing can significantly boost your confidence and score.
Full Reading Passage and Questions
Reading Passage: Medium Text
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
How Does the Global Economy Impact Environmental Sustainability?
The interplay between the global economy and environmental sustainability has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Global economic activities, from industrial production to international trade, have profound impacts on the environment. Understanding these impacts is critical for developing strategies that promote economic growth while preserving the planet’s ecological balance.
One of the major ways the global economy affects environmental sustainability is through carbon emissions. Industrialization and globalization have led to an increase in the production and consumption of goods, which in turn has escalated the burning of fossil fuels. This has resulted in higher greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to global warming and climate change. Developing countries, in particular, experience a dichotomy where economic growth is essential for development, yet it often comes at the cost of environmental degradation.
Another aspect is resource depletion. The global demand for resources—such as water, minerals, and fossil fuels—has surged with economic expansion. Over-extraction of these resources can lead to scarcity, adversely affecting biodiversity and ecosystems. For instance, deforestation for timber and agricultural expansion has drastically reduced forest cover, impacting not only climate regulation but also the habitats of countless species.
Furthermore, globalization has led to a paradoxical situation in waste management. On one hand, technological advancements and efficient production methods have reduced waste in some sectors. On the other hand, the increase in mass production, single-use products, and the short lifespan of consumer goods have led to a surge in waste generation. Many developing countries, which receive industrial waste from developed nations, suffer from pollution and health risks due to inadequate waste management infrastructure.
However, the global economy can also foster innovations that benefit environmental sustainability. Advances in renewable energy technologies, for instance, promise to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon footprints. International cooperation and policy-making, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to unite countries in their efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while the global economy poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability, it also holds potential solutions. Balancing economic growth with environmental care requires concerted efforts, innovative solutions, and strong international cooperation.
Questions
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, what has been a major consequence of industrialization?
- A. Decrease in global trade
- B. Increase in fossil fuel consumption
- C. Reduction in economic disparities
- D. Growth of renewable energy
-
What is mentioned as a significant issue faced by developing countries due to globalization?
- A. Increased forest cover
- B. Enhanced waste management infrastructure
- C. Influx of industrial waste
- D. Reduced biodiversity
True, False, Not Given
- The passage states that all developing countries have adequate infrastructure to manage waste.
- Technological innovations in renewable energy can help reduce carbon emissions.
- The Paris Agreement aims to support economic growth without considering environmental sustainability.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words provided:
carbon emissions, resource depletion, waste generation, economic expansion, globalization
The global economy’s impact on environmental sustainability is significant. Industrialization has led to increased (6) ____, contributing to climate change. Moreover, the demand for resources has caused (7) ____, affecting biodiversity. Globalization, while leading to some technological advancements, has also increased (8) ____ due to mass production and single-use products.
Answer Key and Explanation
Multiple Choice
-
B. Increase in fossil fuel consumption
Explanation: The passage clearly mentions that industrialization has escalated the burning of fossil fuels, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. -
C. Influx of industrial waste
Explanation: The passage points out that many developing countries receive industrial waste from developed nations and suffer from pollution due to inadequate waste management infrastructure.
True, False, Not Given
-
False
Explanation: The passage states the opposite, mentioning that developing countries suffer from pollution and health risks due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. -
True
Explanation: The passage discusses that advances in renewable energy technologies promise to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon footprints. -
False
Explanation: The Paris Agreement aims to unite countries in their efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable practices, implying consideration of environmental sustainability.
Summary Completion
- carbon emissions
- resource depletion
- waste generation
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misunderstanding the relationship between economic terms and their environmental impacts.
- Ignoring context when answering True/False/Not Given questions.
- Rushing through summary completion without carefully reading the passage.
Vocabulary
- Carbon Emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃən/: the release of carbon, especially as carbon dioxide.
- Resource Depletion (noun) /rɪˈsɔːrs dɪˈpliːʃən/: the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/: the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Grammar Focus
- Relative Clauses:
- Example: “Technological innovations, which promise to reduce carbon footprints, are crucial.”
- Structure: [subject] + [relative clause].
Advice for High Scores in IELTS Reading
To excel in IELTS Reading:
- Practice Regularly: Engage with a variety of reading materials including articles, journals, and practice tests.
- Learn Synonyms: Many questions paraphrase the passage, so understanding synonyms can help.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely; don’t spend too long on any one question.
- Enhance Vocabulary: A good range of vocabulary helps in understanding complex texts.
- Understand the Question Types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of questions like True/False/Not Given, and summary completion.
By thoroughly preparing and understanding the dynamics of the global economy and its relation to environmental sustainability, you can improve your IELTS Reading skills and perform better in the actual exam.