Climate Change, Economic Channels, and Historical Junctures

Discover how past climatic events have shaped economic, political, and social structures.

This book discusses the effects of climate change on major historical junctures, including: the evolution of our species to anatomically modern humans, human dispersal from the cradle of humanity, the peopling of our world over time, the transition to sedentary life, the introduction of farming, the collapse of complex societies, the demise of civilizations, the decline of kingdoms and empires, the outbreak of conflicts, and the spread of infectious diseases. Historical episodes explored include the evolution of hominins, human migration patterns, the development of agriculture, and the rise and fall of civilizations (especially during the 4.2 ka event), the Late Bronze Age Crisis, and the Little Ice Age. Blending theoretical and evidence from multiple disciplines, the examines how climate anomalies have led to societal changes.

Exploring the interplay between climate and economies, Climate Change, Economic Channels, and Historical Junctures amplifies the connections between climate change and human history. Throughout the book, economist Sherif Khalifa emphasizes the economic consequences of climate change, offering unique insights into how environmental factors have driven historical outcomes. Chapters underscore the significance of understanding these historical patterns to predict—and mitigate—potential future impacts of ongoing climate change.