雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a contentious topic in geography. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was heavily criticized in the mid-20th century for its oversimplification and potential to justify colonialism. Contemporary scholars, while rejecting strict determinism, acknowledge that environmental factors can create constraints or opportunities, but human agency and technological innovation often mediate these influences. This nuanced view suggests that the relationship between environment and society is interactive and dynamic, rather than unidirectional.