There is no doubt that human societies have had to adapt to the weather they get, but theories about the link between climate and culture had so far never reached scientific status. By introducing affluence as a controlling variable, Evert Van de Vliert opens new perspectives to an old debate. His exploration into explaining the sources of some of the most fundamental differences between human cultures makes very good reading indeed. -Geert Hofstede, author of Culture's Consequences
Evert Van de Vliert presents an elegantly constructed account of his 15-year search for an adequate understanding of how climate conditions an impressively broad range of aspects of human behaviour. His groundbreaking elaboration of the links between the effects of climate and wealth is compelling. He provides a finely balanced account, integrating an accessible style with an ongoing thorough and fair-minded scrutiny of alternatives to his own perspective. This book is readable and timely, with important implications for the management of climatic change. -Peter B. Smith, Emeritus Professor of Social Psychology, University of Sussex, UK
...Climate, Affluence, and Culture draws our attention to ideas that are currently given cursory attention...This volume illustrates both a theoretical scaffold and an empirical footing...; we should hope for more books in this vein. -Brian H. Stagner, PsycCRITIQUES [January 6, 2010, Vol. 55, Release 1, Article 2]
...Climate, Affluence, and Culture would be of particular interest to those in organisational, social, or environmental psychology; it could also appeal to a broad range of academics and researchers in psychology, economics, management, cultural studies, or community development... Dr. Van de Vliert does call our attention to the daunting issues of climate change and poverty, and maintains that focusing on either exclusively will bring only limited improvements... -E. Anne Marshall, University of Victoria, Canadian Psychology
