What did Montesquieu believe lawmakers should do about the effects of climate?

In his seminal work, The Spirit of Laws, the French political philosopher Montesquieu argued that climate—specifically heat and cold—exerts a significant influence on the physical and intellectual character of a society.12

However, Montesquieu did not view this influence as an absolute destiny for civilized nations. He maintained that while climate shapes the physical frame of individuals, its effects are not insuperable in advanced societies. Consequently, he believed it is the duty of the legislator to counteract the negative or limiting influences of climate through wise governance.2

Montesquieu emphasized that climate is merely one of many factors—which he termed the "general spirit"—that influence a nation. As civilization advances, the importance of nonphysical factors, such as religion, laws, and government maxims, grows, allowing lawmakers to mitigate environmental pressures and promote the well-being of the state.2