This Is Why Countries Near the Equator Will Never Develop

Summary

Economist Jeffrey Sachs suggests that geography, particularly proximity to the equator, influences a nation's economic development. Wealthier nations tend to be located in northern latitudes, while equatorial countries face challenges like disease and climate that hinder growth. However, exceptions like India and Singapore demonstrate that equatorial nations can achieve economic prosperity. Historically, equatorial civilizations have made significant advancements, and the global economic landscape is shifting, with equatorial countries poised to become future economic powerhouses.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Jeffrey Sachs posits that geography, particularly proximity to the equator, plays a significant role in a nation's economic development.
• 📈 A global north-south wealth divide is observed, with wealthier nations predominantly located in northern latitudes.
• 📊 Within countries, a north-south economic divide is also noticeable, with wealth often increasing as one moves further from the equator.
• ❄️ Some theorists, like Montc and Henry Thomas Buckle, attribute the economic stagnation of tropical countries to their climate, suggesting colder climates foster innovation.
• 🤒 Diseases prevalent in warm climates, such as malaria, have historically hindered economic growth in equatorial regions.
• ❄️ The necessity of surviving harsh winters in northern regions may have driven the development of advanced infrastructure and food preservation techniques.
• 🚀 Despite challenges, equatorial countries like India, Singapore, and Hong Kong have defied economic expectations and achieved significant prosperity.
• 📚 Historical civilizations near the equator, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, made substantial contributions to science and development.
• 🌟 The economic disparity between hemispheres can be partly attributed to historical factors, including the impact of Western colonization on resource-rich regions.
• 🔄 The global economic landscape is dynamic, with a shift of wealth to the south as traditional Western powers decline and economies like India and China rise.
• 🌟 Equatorial countries are projected to become future economic powerhouses, potentially challenging the long-held view of northern economic superiority.

Q & A

What is Jeffrey Sachs' main argument about the role of geography in economic development?

Jeffrey Sachs argues that geography plays a key role in economic development, with countries near the equator facing greater challenges in becoming developed economies due to various factors such as climate, disease, and infrastructure limitations.

Why do countries near the equator struggle with economic development, according to the video?

Countries near the equator struggle with economic development due to factors such as harsh climates, diseases like malaria, and the failure of technologies developed in temperate zones to meet their needs. These challenges slow down productivity and hinder economic growth.

What evidence is presented to support Sachs' theory of geographic economic disparity?

The video presents a pattern where wealthier nations, such as those in northern Europe, the U.S., and Canada, are located farther from the equator, while poorer countries, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, are closer to the equator. This pattern is observed globally and within nations, such as the U.S., where states further north tend to be wealthier.

Are there any exceptions to the pattern of countries near the equator being economically disadvantaged?

Yes, there are notable exceptions such as India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. India, despite being near the equator, is one of the fastest-growing economies, while Singapore and Hong Kong are classified as high-income regions, challenging the notion that proximity to the equator correlates with lower economic status.

How does the economic disparity within the United States support Jeffrey Sachs' argument?

Within the United States, wealth tends to increase as one moves farther from the equator. Southern states generally have lower per capita GDP than northern states, reinforcing Sachs' theory that geography, particularly proximity to the equator, plays a role in economic prosperity.

What historical examples of prosperous civilizations near the equator are mentioned?

The video mentions several historical civilizations near the equator that made significant contributions to science and innovation, such as Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and the Indus Valley civilization. These examples challenge the idea that equatorial regions are inherently disadvantaged in terms of development.

How has colonization impacted the economic development of equatorial countries?

Western colonization had a major impact on the economic development of equatorial countries, as European empires extracted enormous wealth from regions like Africa, India, and the Middle East. This extraction of resources significantly hindered their economic progress.

What role does climate play in the economic stagnation of tropical countries?

The video suggests that tropical climates may foster economic stagnation because colder climates tend to push societies to innovate and develop infrastructure for survival, while warmer climates do not impose the same necessity. Additionally, diseases like malaria thrive in warm climates, further hampering economic potential.

How does the video address the potential for equatorial countries to become developed economies?

The video acknowledges that while equatorial countries face unique challenges, they are not inherently incapable of becoming developed economies. Examples like India, Singapore, and Hong Kong demonstrate that with the right policies and strategies, these regions can achieve significant economic growth.

What future predictions does the video make about the global economic landscape?

The video predicts a shift in the global economic landscape, with countries like India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia becoming future economic powerhouses. This shift challenges the long-held view of northern economic superiority and suggests that equatorial regions may rise in global economic prominence.