Chapter 1: The Climate Conflict Connection

Why do some of the hottest regions on Earth experience persistent warfare? This question invites us to explore the intersection of climate, culture, and conflict.

The notion that a quick-tempered individual might be labeled a "hothead" carries some truth. I propose that warm climates can shape cultural dynamics by hindering advanced cognitive functions. Consider a high-performance computer: it requires an efficient cooling system to function optimally. When it overheats due to poor airflow or blockages, it can experience performance issues, including unexpected shutdowns and reduced responsiveness. This concept can be paralleled with human cognition.

When subjected to extreme heat, the brain can similarly falter. While cold temperatures can also hinder mental functioning, they can often be mitigated by simply adding layers of clothing. In contrast, during sweltering conditions, the only relief is found indoors, often in air-conditioned spaces—something many individuals in developing nations cannot afford.

Consequently, I suggest that heightened tribalism could be a result of the oppressive heat prevalent in tropical regions. Nations situated in these climates might struggle to modernize due to the "hotheadedness" of their populations.

To illustrate, consider a global map displaying current military conflicts: regions marked in burgundy indicate major wars, while yellow signifies skirmishes. A striking observation is that most armed conflicts occur in the tropical and subtropical zones near the equator. The notable exception is Russia's war in Ukraine, which is often attributed to the nation's expansive territory and historical context of territorial conflicts.

The data clearly indicate that warfare is rampant in the world's hottest areas. In fact, as one moves toward cooler northern or southern regions, conflicts tend to diminish. For example, northern South America is embroiled in wars, with Colombia hosting the most deadly conflict, while the cooler southern part remains largely peaceful.

Similarly, Africa is predominantly affected by wars, especially in its central regions, where countries like Burkina Faso and Nigeria suffer severe conflicts. Conversely, the southern part of the continent enjoys a relative peace. This evidence supports the theory that climate plays a significant role in fostering cultural volatility.

However, it's essential to recognize that cooler regions are not devoid of conflict. The two World Wars were fought in Europe, illustrating that historical grievances can surface regardless of climate. The modern era has witnessed democracies establishing a tenuous peace, an anomaly in human history.

Thus, climate is merely one of many factors that shape cultural dynamics. Biological, psychological, social, and historical elements also contribute to societal behaviors. While modernization has not eliminated war, secular humanism may counteract innate tribal instincts that provoke conflict.

Tribalism often stands in opposition to humanist values. Hypothetically, if faced with an extraterrestrial threat, humanity might band together in a higher-order tribalism against the invaders.

Nonetheless, the struggle between progressive civilization and nature persists, often driven by economic motives and a disdain for the natural world. This conflict is more of a metaphorical "war," contrasting sharply with the primitive tribal violence prevalent in tropical regions.

Only a few populated areas have successfully moved beyond historical cycles of monarchy, imperialism, and other forms of oppression. It is perhaps no coincidence that modernity has thrived in Europe’s temperate zones before spreading to North America and Australia. The fusion of Greco-Roman philosophy with Christianity may have rekindled humanist ideals, aided by the conducive climate of these regions.

Early societies faced daunting challenges in developing agricultural practices and controlling populations through myth and ideology. Those in cooler climates may have found it easier to grasp scientific concepts without the burden of relentless heat, fostering a culture of reflection, debate, and innovation that propelled them toward human progress.

This raises an intriguing question: can secular humanism take root in the tropics to overcome the ingrained tribal instincts that hinder modernization? It's not simply about imparting knowledge of science and philosophy; cultures in the torrid zone have their own systems of belief. However, these cultures appear less progressive than those in temperate areas.

Awareness of secular humanism does not guarantee the motivation to establish democratic and scientific institutions. Even nations in the north, aware of humanist principles, often fail to uphold them consistently, as evidenced by America's history of slavery and systemic inequality.

Is there something inherent in the tropical climate that impedes the advancement of industrial and liberal endeavors? The First World has undoubtedly exploited the Third World, complicating comparisons. Yet, the fundamental cultural disparities between these worlds facilitated such exploitation.

I emphasize that this hypothesis is not rooted in racial theories. It is not about genetic differences; rather, it focuses on the cultural ramifications of climate. My writings are available in paperback and eBook formats on Amazon, including titles such as "Our Oddity in Deep Time," "Aristocrats in the Wild," and "Questing for Epiphanies in a Haunted House," each filled with my explorations of philosophy, religion, and politics.

Chapter 2: Documenting Climate and Conflict

This documentary, "Michael Moore Presents: Planet of the Humans," investigates the intricate relationship between environmental change and societal conflicts, shedding light on humanity's struggle with the natural world.

In "Can We Cool the Planet?" from NOVA PBS, experts delve into the challenges and possibilities of mitigating climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation to address environmental crises.