The Empire of Climate: A History of an Idea
© Princeton University Press
In The Empire of Climate: A History of an Idea, David Livingstone offers comprehensive insight on the evolution of climatic determinism and how the physical environment has shaped our societies since the dawn of Hippocrates, touching on human health, minds, wealth and war.
It is fascinating to learn of climate’s ability to affect our outlook on culture, prosperity, disease and genius, as well as conflict, tyranny and morality. Noteworthy explorations include that of historical European mindsets that viewed tropical locations as ‘unhealthy’ or ‘morally corrupt’ and drew (now discredited) links between latitude and racial superiority or economic success – notions that were used to justify past eugenic or colonial policies. Links between climate and the evolution of colonialism, racism, sexism, and capitalism prevail throughout the book’s chapters, giving important historical armour for how climate has governed human existence and how such concepts underpin the socioeconomic systems of today, including challenges like climate justice and adaptation. Ironically, these concepts historically linked to climate are therefore also inextricably associated with the nature-human disconnect that fuels our 21st century climate crisis.
While Livingstone writes for a more specialist audience and the narration is, at times, longer than necessary, those broadly interested in the topic can still engage with the common talking points of today when it comes to emerging climate concerns. Livingstone captures the true intersectionality of climate as a concept throughout social history, making Empire of Climate a timely and thought-provoking read. It serves as a valuable history on the intertwining of humanity and nature to compliment the science of today. This includes the effects of a changing climate on our physical and mental health, especially in regions where temperature changes will be most pronounced and economic investment in resources to support mitigation initiatives is lowest. The book also serves as a political warning for how climatic instability could lead to modern weaponisation of past colonial climatic notions for prejudicial or imperialist agendas, perhaps most relevant for migration and resource conflicts that an ever-warming climate will likely bring.
Review by Lucy Blennerhassett
DETAILS
By: David N. Livingstone (2024) Princeton University Press, 552 pp. (hbk)
ISBN: 9780691236704
Price: £32 www.press.princeton.edu
