What is "environmental determinism" in geography?

Environmental determinism is the theory that physical factors, particularly the natural environment, significantly shape cultures, societal development, and human behaviors. This concept emerged in the early 20th century and posits that the characteristics of a physical landscape, such as climate, terrain, and resources, directly influence how societies evolve and function.

The essence of environmental determinism is that the environment imposes constraints and opportunities that dictate the modes of living and the technological advancements of various cultures. For example, societies in more temperate climates may be able to engage in agriculture more sustainably than those in extreme climates, which can lead to more complex societal structures.

While other concepts, such as the study of geography's influence on history or the examination of human adaptation to environments, focus on the interplay between geography and human activity, they do not assert the same level of influence as environmental determinism. Similarly, climate change impacts represent a specific contemporary issue that may not encapsulate the broader theory of environmental determinism.