What does "environmental determinism" suggest?

Environmental determinism posits that the physical environment, including climate, geography, and resources, plays a significant role in shaping human behaviors, societal development, and cultural practices. This perspective suggests that environmental characteristics can dictate the ways in which populations adapt, innovate, and organize their societies. For example, communities in areas with harsh climates may develop different survival strategies and social structures compared to those in more temperate regions, leading to varied cultural expressions and ways of life.

The concept contrasts with ideas that emphasize cultural factors or individual agency as the primary drivers of human behavior. While different viewpoints in human geography may stress the role of culture or human creativity in shaping societies, environmental determinism affirms the critical influence that the physical surroundings have on human life and communities.