What are the linkages between climate, culture, and crime?

Weather conditions produced by different climates are powerful forces of nature capable
of influencing human activities, behaviors, attitudes, and mobility; and traditions,
industry, economics, and government in society. These factors are each capable of affecting
crime and violence and are unique to each culture and region. Beginning with
a literary perspective, examples are provided from famous cultural works, such as Greek
mythology, Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, religious readings, and popular culture to
illustrate how some climatic variables have become associated to antisocial human behaviors
and emotions. A review of the research examining these connections follows,
paying particular attention to instances of interpersonal and political violence in various
regions, as well as other problems, such as drug production/consumption, wildlife
trade, conflict, and genocide, to demonstrate how these may be influenced by climate
and culture. The linkages between these three variables are explained through the application
of relevant theories in the behavioral sciences and specifically criminology. A
better understanding of the interplay between climate, culture, and crime will offer new
insights on the etiology of crime and violence in different regions, which, in an increasingly
globalized and warming world, will lead to the development of more effective prevention
and control strategies.

Paper presented at the 9th annual conference of the European Society of Criminology. Ljubljana, Slovenia: September 9-12, 2009.