The following text discusses environmental philosophy.
The concept of "ecological debt" proposes that developed nations owe compensation to developing nations for environmental damage. Wealthy countries industrialized using fossil fuels, consuming more than their share of the atmosphere's carbon-absorbing capacity and externalizing pollution costs globally. Meanwhile, developing nations claiming their own right to industrialize face constraints because developed nations have already depleted capacity. Ecological debt reframes climate negotiations: developed nations' commitments are not charity but repayment of historical obligations. Critics question whether collective liability transcends generations and how to quantify ecological damages.
How does the concept of ecological debt reframe climate discussions?
Developed nations' climate commitments are charitable donations
Developed nations' actions represent repayment of historical obligations rather than charity
Developing nations have no right to industrialize
Environmental damage has no relationship to historical development
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. "Ecological debt reframes climate negotiations: developed nations' commitments are not charity but repayment of historical obligations."
- Evidence: Not charity but repayment of obligations.
- Reasoning: Historical consumption creates debt, not generosity opportunity.
- Conclusion: Obligation replaces charity as the framing.
Choice A is incorrect because the text explicitly rejects this framing. Choice C is incorrect because developing nations are "claiming their own right." Choice D is incorrect because historical industrialization created the debt.