Chapter 14: The Humanized Environment
14.2 Environmental Theories and Geography
The relationship between humans and the environment has been of great interest for geographers throughout history. It can be said that the concept of geography as the study of the human-environment relationship has a long history, sparking an enduring debate about humanity’s position in relation to nature.
Environmental possibilism and determinism are two opposing theories developed to understand the influence of physical environmental conditions on the emergence and development of human cultures or societies in specific locations. Both doctrines explore the role of humans within the environment, debating whether humans should be seen as ‘passive’ agents or ‘active forces’ in their interaction with it. Through this interaction, humans not only adapt to the environment but also modify it.
Environmental determinism holds that the physical environment, i.e. the climate and terrain, determines the patterns of human culture and societal development. . According to this theory, human activities and behaviors are strongly influenced by environmental factors, with minimal scope for human agency or innovation to alter these patterns.
Example: Environmental Determinism
Saharan Desert Nomadic Cultures:
The nomadic cultures of the Saharan Desert provide an example of environmental determinism. The extreme aridity and harsh climatic conditions of the Sahara limit settlement and agriculture. As a result, traditional societies in this region have developed nomadic lifestyles centered around mobility, herding of livestock adapted to desert conditions, and reliance on trade routes that traverse the desert. The environmental constraints of the Sahara largely dictate the cultural and economic practices of these societies.
Contemporary geographical thought cautions against adopting an “environmentally deterministic” attitude/perspective, as it can lead to false and damaging claims such as associating human characteristics with climate type for instance.
One thing, however, that should become clear from cultural landscapes is that the environment both influences and shapes humans and is influenced by and shaped by humans. The environment provides both opportunities and constraints for humans. The theory of environmental possibilism posits that the environment presents various potential pathways for human cultural development, with human choices guided by cultural heritage.
This contrasts with another perspectives on human-environment relationships, which known as environment-as-backdrop: this theory holds that human experience and traits of society are not at all influenced by the environment, which is thought of as a passive backdrop to human activity. Contemporary geographical thought cautions against fully adopting the environment-as-backdrop perspective in favor of recognizing the opportunities and constraints that the environment poses for humans and human systems (i.e. possibilism).
There are many examples throughout history documenting how humans have undergone adaptation to their environmental surroundings, which demonstrates both
- how the environment does indeed influence and shape human possibilities/outcomes and
- how humans do exercise some ability to manipulate their environments.
Examples of Human Adaptation to the Environment
Click the links below highlighting a few examples of human adaptations to various environmental circumstances.
- Ghadames, Libya: Architectural Adaptation to Aridity
- Inuit in the Arctic: Adjusting Travel Modes & Hunting Practices
