Climate and man

The change from a nomadic existence in warm temperate regions to settled communities with a form of government is thought to be due to the need of an expanding population to colonise marginal areas, and hence to the use of fire for heating, to irrigation and to defence needs. The fall of some ancient civilisations appears to be due to climatic change and to mismanagement of the land. The effect of climate on health and well-being is examined next. Huntingdon and Markham attempted to establish climatic optima; and more recent studies appear to demonstrate that changes in seasonal mortality follow improved indoor temperature control, and perhaps techniques of food preservation. The progress of civilisation and material prosperity seems to depend on fuel supplies. Recent studies have shown that in general a high GNP is associated with high per-capita energy use. A large increase in energy use seems to be necessary in the poorest countries. Finally, the consequences of the increasing use of fossil fuels (atmospheric CO2 levels, acid rain) are briefly examined.