Climate Change and Human Behavior On The Southwest Coast of Ecuador

Abstract

Predictable and reliable agricultural production, industrial output, and, in general, environments that promote human well-being depend on climatic stability. But the prehistoric and historic record indicate that climate change is a recurring feature of the environment. In this paper the climate history of the southwest coast of Ecuador is presented and discussed in relation to its influence on prehistoric and contemporary human populations living in this region. A recent case of climate change during the year 1971 is described. Patterns of land use and water management described for prehistoric peoples continue to be followed by the current population. Understanding the history of human responses to climate change may be necessary in order to make rational decisions about how to adapt our behavior to future climates.