The last "cool" summer: the climate determines the evolution of human history, the hot summer, the heat is unbearable. But how would you feel if it was the last "cool" summer we could spend?
You might think this is alarmist, but through the study of history, we find that the evolution of human history has been greatly influenced by climate. So how exactly does climate determine the fate of humanity?
In Chinese history, peaceful and prosperous times are often associated with smooth winds and rain, while war years stem from sudden climate changes. This view is the assertion of "climate determinist" historians. Through their research, they found that the fate of emperors in Chinese history is often closely linked to climate change.
For example, although the Chongzhen Emperor of the Ming Dynasty worked hard, due to the Xiaoice River Period, the drought in the north caused hardship in the people's lives, caused a plague epidemic, and eventually led to Chongzhen's braids. In contrast, the reigns of the Jiajing, Wanli, and Tianqi Emperors were in good weather, and the country was stable and prosperous.
These examples show that climate change has an important impact on the rise and fall of nations. Similar phenomena have occurred in other historical periods. The chaotic era of the Three Kingdoms period stemmed from the cold climate in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, which led to successive years of poor harvests and famines, and the people's life could not be sustained, and finally formed the Yellow Turban Army Uprising.
On a global scale, climate change is also having a profound impact on other civilizations. In Central and South America, for example, the rise and fall of Maya civilization is closely linked to climate change. When the northern hemisphere entered a cooling period, the climate in Central and South America warmed, and the Maya quickly entered the agricultural era and developed a corresponding civilization.
However, when the climate warmed again and Central and South America returned to their original state, the Maya civilization eventually disappeared. While there is some truth in the views of "climate determinist" historians, we cannot rely solely on climate to explain the development of human history.
We cannot ignore the influence of human actions and wisdom, as well as social, political and other factors on history. However, climate change is indeed an important factor that can amplify social tensions, exacerbate resource constraints, and even trigger conflicts and wars.
Today, global warming has become a problem that cannot be ignored. If global warming is real, then the ensuing food crisis, economic crisis, and shift in political and economic centers are inevitable.
Emissions reduction plans may be a farce, and humanity needs to think more deeply about ways to solve the problem of climate change. We need to realize that the problem of human short-sightedness and selfishness can only be met with the crisis on the planetary scale if unity is achieved.
However, despite the challenges ahead, we cannot ignore the opportunities. A warming climate will benefit some parts of China, and the northwest and Xinjiang will become livable areas, which provides us with opportunities for development. How to seize this opportunity depends on the efforts and wisdom of each person. Life will always give us hope.
In general, the ideas put forward by "climate determinist" historians shed some light on the important impact of climate on human history. However, we cannot simply attribute all historical events to climate change, there are other factors that need to be considered.
In the face of the challenges brought by global warming, we should take effective measures to find solutions, not just rely on reducing emissions. We need to think about how to balance economic development and environmental protection, and how to achieve global cooperation to address the challenges posed by climate change.
How much influence do you think climate has had on the evolution of human history? What are your views and suggestions on the issue of global warming? Welcome to leave your comments.