As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’m excited to share with you a comprehensive IELTS Reading practice test focused on the crucial topic of “The role of international agreements in combating climate change.” This test will not only help you improve your reading skills but also broaden your knowledge on this important global issue.
Introduction
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. International cooperation and agreements play a vital role in addressing this global issue. In this IELTS Reading practice test, we’ll explore various aspects of international climate agreements and their impact on combating climate change.
IELTS Reading Test
Passage 1 (Easy Text)
The Paris Agreement: A Milestone in Climate Action
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, marked a significant milestone in global efforts to combat climate change. This legally binding international treaty aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to tackle climate change and adapt to its effects.
One of the key features of the Paris Agreement is its bottom-up structure. Unlike previous agreements, it allows each country to set its own emissions reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These NDCs are to be updated every five years, with each new submission expected to be more ambitious than the last. This approach encourages countries to take ownership of their climate actions while providing flexibility to account for different national circumstances.
The agreement also emphasizes the importance of climate finance. Developed countries are expected to take the lead in providing financial assistance to less wealthy nations, helping them both reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This financial support is crucial for enabling developing countries to transition to cleaner technologies and build resilience against climate-related disasters.
Another critical aspect of the Paris Agreement is its transparency framework. Countries are required to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards implementing their NDCs. This transparency helps build trust among nations and allows for a clear understanding of global progress towards meeting the agreement’s long-term goals.
While the Paris Agreement has been widely hailed as a breakthrough in international climate cooperation, its success ultimately depends on the actions taken by individual countries. The agreement provides a framework for global action, but it is up to each nation to implement ambitious policies and measures to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
Questions 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading 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
- The Paris Agreement aims to keep global temperature rise below 3 degrees Celsius.
- Countries are required to set the same emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.
- The Paris Agreement requires countries to update their NDCs every five years.
- Developed countries are expected to provide financial support to developing nations under the agreement.
- The Paris Agreement has been successful in completely stopping global warming.
Questions 6-10
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- The Paris Agreement is described as a __ __ international treaty.
- The agreement’s structure is described as __ __.
- Countries set their own emissions reduction targets, known as __ __ __.
- The agreement includes a __ __ to ensure countries report on their progress regularly.
- The success of the Paris Agreement ultimately depends on __ __ taken by individual countries.
Passage 2 (Medium Text)
The Evolution of International Climate Agreements
The journey towards effective international climate agreements has been long and complex, marked by both progress and setbacks. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established in 1992, laid the groundwork for global cooperation on climate issues. However, it was the Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, that first set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries.
The Kyoto Protocol operated on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” recognizing that developed countries were primarily responsible for the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. It set emissions reduction targets only for developed countries, while encouraging developing nations to take voluntary actions. This approach, while innovative at the time, ultimately proved insufficient to address the growing global challenge of climate change.
The limitations of the Kyoto Protocol became increasingly apparent in the years following its implementation. Many major emitters, including the United States, did not ratify the protocol, while rapidly industrializing countries like China and India were not required to reduce their emissions. These factors, combined with the protocol’s relatively short-term focus, meant that global emissions continued to rise despite the agreement.
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach, negotiations began for a new global climate agreement. This process culminated in the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which addressed many of the shortcomings of previous agreements. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement requires all countries, both developed and developing, to set emissions reduction targets and take action to combat climate change.
The Paris Agreement also introduced the concept of a “global stocktake” – a periodic assessment of collective progress towards achieving the agreement’s long-term goals. This process, occurring every five years, allows for a dynamic and responsive approach to global climate action. It enables countries to adjust their efforts based on the latest scientific findings and the overall progress made.
Another significant innovation of the Paris Agreement is its emphasis on adaptation and loss and damage. While previous agreements focused primarily on mitigation (reducing emissions), the Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of helping countries adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already occurring. It also acknowledges the need to address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in vulnerable developing countries.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in implementing and strengthening international climate agreements. The voluntary nature of the Paris Agreement’s emissions reduction commitments means that global efforts may still fall short of what is needed to avoid dangerous levels of climate change. Additionally, issues such as climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building continue to be points of contention between developed and developing nations.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the role of international agreements in coordinating and enhancing global action becomes increasingly crucial. The evolution of these agreements reflects a growing understanding of the complexity of the climate challenge and the need for flexible, inclusive, and ambitious global cooperation.
Questions 11-14
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
The Kyoto Protocol:
A) Set binding emissions targets for all countries
B) Was ratified by all major emitters
C) Focused on developed countries’ responsibilities
D) Successfully reduced global emissions -
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a limitation of the Kyoto Protocol?
A) The United States did not ratify it
B) It had a relatively short-term focus
C) It did not require emissions reductions from developing countries
D) It did not address adaptation to climate change -
The Paris Agreement differs from the Kyoto Protocol in that it:
A) Only focuses on developed countries
B) Requires all countries to set emissions reduction targets
C) Has a shorter timeframe
D) Does not include developing countries -
The “global stocktake” in the Paris Agreement:
A) Occurs annually
B) Only assesses developed countries’ progress
C) Allows for adjustments based on scientific findings
D) Is a one-time assessment
Questions 15-20
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The evolution of international climate agreements reflects the growing understanding of the climate change challenge. The UNFCCC, established in 1992, provided the 15) __ for global cooperation. The Kyoto Protocol introduced the principle of 16) __ __ __ responsibilities, focusing on developed countries’ emissions. However, its limitations led to the development of the Paris Agreement, which requires action from 17) __ __ . The Paris Agreement introduced the concept of a 18) __ __ to assess collective progress. It also emphasizes 19) __ and addresses loss and damage, particularly for vulnerable nations. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including issues related to 20) __ __ between developed and developing countries.
Passage 3 (Hard Text)
The Efficacy and Challenges of International Climate Agreements
The proliferation of international climate agreements over the past few decades has undoubtedly elevated the global discourse on climate change and catalyzed action across nations. However, the efficacy of these agreements in achieving their intended outcomes remains a subject of intense debate among policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates. This complex landscape of international cooperation presents both promising avenues for collective action and significant hurdles that must be overcome to effectively combat climate change.
One of the primary strengths of international climate agreements lies in their ability to establish a global framework for action. By setting overarching goals and principles, these agreements provide a common direction for national policies and foster a sense of shared responsibility. The Paris Agreement, for instance, has successfully created a universal platform for countries to commit to emissions reductions and adaptation measures. This global approach is crucial given the transboundary nature of climate change, where the actions of one nation invariably affect others.
Moreover, international agreements have played a pivotal role in driving technological innovation and knowledge transfer. The emphasis on clean energy and sustainable development in these agreements has spurred research and development in renewable technologies, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage. The Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, despite its limitations, demonstrated the potential for facilitating technology transfer between developed and developing countries. Such mechanisms not only contribute to emissions reductions but also support sustainable development in less industrialized nations.
International climate agreements have also been instrumental in mobilizing climate finance. The commitment of developed countries to provide financial support to developing nations, as enshrined in various agreements, has led to the establishment of dedicated funds such as the Green Climate Fund. While the actual disbursement of funds has often fallen short of pledges, the framework provided by these agreements has created pathways for financial flows that support mitigation and adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries.
However, the effectiveness of international climate agreements is hampered by several significant challenges. The principle of national sovereignty often collides with the need for binding international commitments. Countries are generally reluctant to cede control over their energy and economic policies to international bodies, leading to agreements that are often criticized for lacking teeth. The voluntary nature of commitments under the Paris Agreement, while allowing for broader participation, raises questions about the adequacy of collective action to meet the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Another critical issue is the problem of free-riding. In the absence of strong enforcement mechanisms, there is an incentive for countries to benefit from the emissions reductions of others without taking significant action themselves. This dynamic can undermine the collective effort required to address climate change effectively. The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement in 2020 (though it has since rejoined) highlighted the fragility of international cooperation and the potential for political shifts to disrupt global climate efforts.
The equity dimension of climate agreements presents another layer of complexity. Developing countries often argue that strict emissions targets could impede their economic growth and development. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, while acknowledging historical emissions of developed countries, has been a point of contention in negotiations. Balancing the needs of development with environmental protection remains a delicate challenge in formulating and implementing international climate policies.
Furthermore, the long-term nature of climate change poses difficulties for international agreements. The impacts of current emissions will be felt decades into the future, creating a temporal disconnect between actions and consequences. This challenge is exacerbated by the short-term focus of many political systems, where immediate economic concerns often take precedence over long-term environmental considerations.
Despite these challenges, recent developments suggest a growing momentum in international climate cooperation. The increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters have heightened public awareness and political will to address the issue. The rapid decline in the cost of renewable energy technologies has made ambitious climate targets more economically feasible. Additionally, the emergence of sub-national and non-state actors as significant players in climate action has added new dimensions to international efforts, complementing and sometimes surpassing national commitments.
In conclusion, while international climate agreements have made substantial progress in setting a global agenda for climate action, their efficacy in achieving concrete emissions reductions and adaptive measures remains a work in progress. The complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors continues to shape the landscape of international climate cooperation. As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the evolution and strengthening of these agreements will be crucial in orchestrating a coordinated and effective global response to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Questions 21-26
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
International climate agreements have elevated the global discourse on climate change and provided a 21) __ __ for action. They have driven 22) __ __ and facilitated knowledge transfer between countries. These agreements have also been crucial in mobilizing 23) __ __ to support developing nations. However, their effectiveness is challenged by issues such as national 24) __ and the problem of 25) __. The 26) __ dimension of climate agreements, balancing development needs with environmental protection, adds another layer of complexity to international negotiations.
Questions 27-30
Choose FOUR letters, A-H.
Which FOUR of the following are mentioned in the passage as challenges to the effectiveness of international climate agreements?
A) Lack of public awareness about climate change
B) Conflict between national sovereignty and international commitments
C) Inadequate technology for renewable energy
D) The problem of free-riding
E) Overestimation of climate change impacts
F) Balancing equity and emissions reduction targets
G) Short-term focus of political systems
H) Excessive funding for climate initiatives
Questions 31-35
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the reading 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
- International climate agreements have been uniformly successful in reducing global emissions.
- The Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol had some positive impacts despite its limitations.
- The withdrawal and subsequent rejoining of the United States to the Paris Agreement highlighted the stability of international cooperation.
- The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities has been universally accepted without contention.
- Recent developments, including increased public awareness and technological advancements, suggest growing momentum in international climate cooperation.
Questions 36-40
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- The transboundary nature of climate change makes a __ __ crucial for effective action.
- International agreements have spurred research in areas such as renewable technologies and __ __ and storage.
- The __ __ of climate change creates a disconnect between current actions and future consequences.
- The emergence of __ and __ actors has added new dimensions to international climate efforts.
- The evolution and strengthening of international agreements is crucial for an effective __ __ to climate change.
Answer Key
Passage 1
- FALSE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- legally binding
- bottom-up
- Nationally Determined Contributions
- transparency framework
- actions taken
Passage 2
- C
- D
- B
- C
- groundwork
- common but differentiated
- all countries
- global stocktake
- adaptation
- climate finance
Passage 3
- global framework
- technological innovation
- climate finance
- sovereignty
- free-riding
- equity
- B, D, F, G
- YES
- NO
- NOT GIVEN
- YES
- global approach
- carbon capture
- long-term nature
- sub-national, non-state
- global response
Conclusion
This IELTS Reading practice test on “The role of international agreements in combating climate change” provides a comprehensive overview of the topic while challenging your reading skills. Remember to practice regularly and familiarize yourself with various question types to improve your performance in the IELTS Reading section.
For more IELTS practice materials and tips, check out our other resources on the role of governments in promoting renewable energy adoption and the role of governments in regulating climate change policies. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!