Climate and Society E3

What is Climate Determinism?

A theory suggesting that climate is the primary determinant of human behavior, societal development, and civilization's success or failure.

Who is Ellsworth Huntington?

A key proponent of Climate Determinism, arguing that temperate climates foster better human development.

What recent debates have arisen regarding climate change?

Discussions about the role of climate change in shaping contemporary societies, including migration patterns linked to changing weather.

What caused the collapse of the Maya Civilization?

Prolonged droughts during the 9th and 10th centuries disrupted agriculture and water sources.

What was the 'Rabbit Curse' in Aztec Civilization?

A belief linked to adverse climatic conditions, particularly droughts, affecting their empire.

How did climate change affect Norse settlers in Greenland?

Climate changes during the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age impacted agriculture and trade, contributing to their disappearance.

The Medieval Warm Period

A time from 950-1250 AD when temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer, leading to agricultural expansion.

What characterized the Little Ice Age?

A cooling period from roughly 1300 to 1850 that caused crop failures, famines, and societal disruption.

What challenges did Jamestown settlers face?

Extreme winters and droughts that contributed to food shortages and disease.

What was the impact of the 16th Century Megadrought?

It severely impacted Native American groups like the Anasazi, leading to agricultural collapse and migration.

How do modern California droughts affect society?

They exacerbate water scarcity, agricultural challenges, and wildfire risks.

What is the Equal Latitude Climate Myth?

The false belief that areas at the same latitude experience similar climates, ignoring local geographical features.

Who were early colonial weather enthusiasts?

Figures like Thomas Jefferson who advocated for weather observations to understand climate's impact on agriculture.

What role did early weather observation networks play?

Organizations like the U.S. Signal Corps and Smithsonian Institution established systematic networks to gather climate data.

What was the Great Storm Controversy?

A clash between meteorologists and the public over storm predictions and their accuracy, highlighting early forecasting limitations.

How did climatic conditions affect yellow fever epidemics in the American South?

Outbreaks were often linked to humidity and warm temperatures.

What was the impact of weather on the Civil War?

Weather conditions significantly affected troop movements and agricultural output.

What did the Lewis and Clark Expedition document?

Early perceptions of the western U.S. climate, highlighting harsh conditions and unpredictable weather

What is the myth of the Great American Desert?

A misconception propagated by early explorers that discouraged settlement in areas later found to be agricultural hubs.

How did the Little Ice Age influence witch trials?

Societal turmoil from crop failures and famine led to increased paranoia and witch hunts in Europe.

What does Sheldon Ungar's study focus on?

The media's role in shaping public perceptions of climate change and the disconnect from scientific consensus.

What is John Seabrook's contribution to climate media?

He examines how literary works and documentaries shape public understanding of extreme weather and climate change.

How does The Weather Channel impact public understanding of climate?

It educates the public about weather patterns and influences perceptions of climate-related disasters.

What is the significance of weather in finance at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange?

Weather forecasts are used to predict and trade weather-related commodities, impacting economic stability.

What does Kris Wilson's study examine?

How the media presents climate change and the backgrounds of journalists influencing climate reporting.

What is Maxwell Boykoff's research focus?

Balanced media coverage of climate change, emphasizing the imbalance in framing the issue.

What role do broadcast meteorologists play?

They report weather, but their influence can be hampered by public misconceptions and sensationalized reporting.

What do interns at The Weather Channel learn?

Firsthand experience in climate reporting, forecasting, and integrating scientific data into broadcasts.