Multiple factors, including climate change, led to collapse and depopulation of ancient Maya
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 14:00
in Earth & Climate
A new analysis of complex interactions between humans and the environment preceding the 9th century collapse and abandonment of the Central Maya Lowlands in the Yucatan Peninsula points to a series of events -- some natural, like climate change; some human-made, including large-scale landscape alterations and shifts in trade routes -- that have lessons for contemporary decision-makers and sustainability scientists.