On Environmental Determinism in Switzerland

My recent two-week sojourn in Switzerland, from September 2 to 15, offered more than picturesque landscapes and serene alpine vistas; it provided a profound understanding of how climate influences society. The comfortable temperatures and crisp air made it seem as if natural air conditioning permeated every corner of the country.

This experience reignited my reflections on environmental determinism, a concept explored by thinkers like Tetsurō Watsuji (1889–1960), whom I studied in my youth, and more recently discussed by thinkers like Jared Diamond and others.

While acknowledging the myriad factors contributing to a nation’s development, I couldn’t help but consider climate as a core element shaping Switzerland’s prosperity and national identity.

Experiencing Switzerland’s Climate Firsthand

Strolling through Swiss towns and hiking its mountain trails, my wife and I seldom felt the extremes of heat or cold. The mild climate was not just pleasant; it was invigorating. The days were comfortably warm, and the nights brought a refreshing coolness, allowing us to sleep soundly without the need for artificial cooling or heating. It was as if the environment was in perfect harmony with human comfort.

In contrast, living in a tropical country, we are accustomed to battling high humidity and relentless heat. Air conditioning becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity, with significant costs attached. Even in Japan, September brings humidity that can be quite oppressive. Switzerland’s climate, at least during our stay in early September, felt like an ideal respite from these challenges.

This firsthand experience emphasized how climate directly affects daily life. The Swiss seemed to effortlessly integrate outdoor activities into their routines, from casual walks to more strenuous hikes. The weather was not a hindrance but an enabler, facilitating a lifestyle that promotes health, well-being, and social interaction.

Environmental Determinism

Reflecting on these observations, I was reminded of Tetsurō Watsuji, the Japanese philosopher who delved deep into the interplay between climate and culture in his work, Fūdo (Climate and Culture). Watsuji posited that climate is not merely a backdrop for human activities but a dynamic force that shapes social structures, behaviors, and cultural norms. His analysis went beyond mere environmental influence, suggesting that climate and geography are integral to understanding the essence of a people.

Watsuji’s ideas resonated with my Swiss experience. The comfortable climate seemed to have fostered not just physical comfort but also social cohesion and efficiency. It was evident in the punctuality of public transport, the meticulous maintenance of public spaces, and the general sense of orderliness. The environment appeared to nurture a society that values precision, cleanliness, and harmony.

Connecting Watsuji’s theories to Switzerland, it became clear that the climate’s role extends into economic and cultural realms. The ease with which people engage with their environment likely contributes to higher productivity and a greater emphasis on community engagement. The mild weather reduces the strain on resources that would otherwise be spent on combating extreme conditions, allowing for investment in other areas of societal development.

Climate as a Core Factor in Switzerland’s Prosperity

Switzerland’s favorable climate plays a pivotal role in its economic success. The temperate weather conditions are ideal for agriculture, particularly dairy farming and the cultivation of crops like wheat and barley. This agricultural abundance supports not only domestic consumption but also contributes to exports, such as the renowned Swiss cheese and chocolate.

The country’s climate also facilitates sustainable energy production. Abundant rainfall and melting snow from the Alps feed into rivers and lakes, providing a consistent source of hydroelectric power. This renewable energy meets a significant portion of Switzerland’s electricity needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting environmental sustainability.

Tourism, a cornerstone of the Swiss economy, thrives due to the appealing climate. Visitors flock to Switzerland year-round, drawn by winter sports in the snowy months and hiking or sightseeing during the mild summers. The predictable and pleasant weather conditions enhance the tourist experience, bolstering the hospitality industry and supporting local economies across the country.

The Swiss Model: Interplay of Climate and Other Factors

While climate is a fundamental component, Switzerland’s success is also a product of its political and social structures. The country’s longstanding neutrality has positioned it as a hub for diplomacy and international relations. This stance, coupled with a strategic central location in Europe, enhances its geopolitical significance and economic stability.

Switzerland’s multilingual policies embrace German, French, Italian, and Romansh, reflecting a commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion. This linguistic multiplicity fosters a sense of unity amid diversity, strengthening national identity and social cohesion. The moderate population size further enables effective governance and resource management, contributing to a high quality of life.

These factors synergize with the favorable climate to create what some refer to as the “Swiss Model.” The climate facilitates economic activities and lifestyle choices, while political neutrality, multilingual policies, and efficient governance structures amplify the nation’s prosperity and global standing.

Challenges Faced by the Global South

Contrasting Switzerland’s situation with that of many countries in the Global South highlights the impact of climate on development. Tropical regions often contend with challenging weather conditions—intense heat, high humidity, frequent storms, and flooding. These environmental factors can hinder infrastructure development, strain resources, and pose significant health risks.

In the tropical countries, for instance, the monsoon season brings typhoons that can devastate communities, destroy crops, and set back economic progress. High humidity and heat not only affect daily comfort but also exacerbate the spread of diseases and reduce overall productivity. The costs associated with mitigating these climatic challenges divert resources from other critical areas such as education and technology.

This disparity suggests a form of “climatic luck,” where countries like Switzerland benefit from natural conditions that inherently support development and prosperity. It emphasizes the importance of considering environmental factors when analyzing global inequalities and the varying paces of infrastructure and economic development across nations.

Perspectives from Other Thinkers

The concept of environmental determinism has been explored by various thinkers beyond Watsuji. Montesquieu, in his work The Spirit of the Laws, argued that climate influences the temperament and behavior of societies, affecting their laws and governance structures. He suggested that cooler climates engender vigor and courage, while warmer ones may lead to passivity.

Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel offers a modern analysis of how geography and environment shape societies. Diamond posits that access to resources, favorable climates, and geographical advantages allowed certain civilizations to advance technologically and politically, leading to global power imbalances.

While these theories provide valuable insights, they are not without criticism. Environmental determinism has been challenged for oversimplifying complex social phenomena and underestimating human agency. Critics argue that culture, innovation, governance, and historical contexts also play crucial roles in societal development, and that environmental factors are part of a broader fabric of influences.

On Environmental Determinism in Switzerland

My two-week experience in Switzerland illuminated the tangible impact of climate on society, reinforcing the perspectives of environmental determinism espoused by thinkers like Watsuji. The country’s favorable climate contributes significantly to its economic prosperity, quality of life, and national identity. It facilitates agriculture, energy production, tourism, and fosters a lifestyle that emphasizes health and social cohesion.

However, climate is but one of many factors. Switzerland’s success also stems from effective governance, political neutrality, cultural inclusivity, and strategic geopolitical positioning. Recognizing the interplay between these elements provides a holistic understanding of its development.

The contrast with countries in the Global South highlights the challenges that harsh climates pose to development. It highlights the need for global awareness and cooperation in addressing environmental and infrastructural disparities. While we cannot change geographical realities, there is potential in human innovation and policy to mitigate climatic disadvantages.

Reflecting on environmental determinism today reminds us of the profound ways in which our environment shapes us, while also acknowledging our capacity to adapt and overcome challenges. It calls for a balanced perspective that appreciates the influence of climate without negating the significance of human agency in shaping our societies.