Late Classic Climate Change and Societal Response in the Maya Lowlands

Abstract

This article summarises the scientific methods used to study past climate in the Maya Lowlands. It also provides an overview of the strategies employed by the ancient Maya to adapt to natural climate change and address issues associated with their growing population. The Maya response to these challenges, including to severe droughts between 800 and 1000 CE, culminated in a societal restructuring sometimes referred to as “the Classic collapse.” The story of the Lowland Maya may serve as a “lesson” going forward, as we confront similar issues in the twenty-first century, e.g., food insecurity, water scarcity, pandemics, and waste management, all in the context of anthropogenic climate change. The ancient Maya experience might provide useful insights, given that the effects of modern-day climate change are already being felt.