Climate Change and Ancient Civilizations: How Environmental Shifts Shaped Societal Collapses or Migrations

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between climate change and the decline of ancient civilizations, focusing specifically on the Maya, Harappan, and Norse Greenland settlements. Drawing on archaeological evidence, paleoclimatological data, and historical records, the research investigates how environmental shifts triggered or exacerbated societal vulnerabilities, ultimately contributing to collapse or migration. Analysis reveals that while climate change often served as a significant stressor, its effects were mediated through complex social, political, and economic systems unique to each civilization. The Maya experienced recurring drought cycles that undermined agricultural productivity and political stability; the Harappan civilization confronted shifting monsoon patterns and river course changes; and Norse Greenland settlements struggled with cooling temperatures during the Little Ice Age. This comparative approach demonstrates that environmental challenges rarely acted in isolation but rather interacted with existing cultural adaptations, social inequalities, and resource management strategies. The findings contribute to our understanding of human-environment interactions and offer insights into contemporary climate resilience, emphasizing the importance of adaptive capacity and social institutions in managing environmental change.