These two aspects are the main catalysts for change in history. Any change in geography or climate forces humans to adapt which in turn alters the face of history.
Whoever holds the positives of both worlds has the greatest historical development. What is meant by positives? Well terms of geography it means natural buffers for defense like hills or arable land for farming. In terms of climate, the positives are steady rain and sunshine and no abrupt changes such as high risk of natural disasters.
In ancient world history we see that many great civilizations such as the Assyrians, and Persians, all came from an area known as the Fertile Crescent. It was an area full of arable land and had several trade routes. This also extended into the Chinese civilizations with the Silk Road.
Another thing to point is that all great cities develop around an area next to a river valley or an ocean such as Egypt and the Nile river valley. Just take a look at the modern cities of the world…Los Angeles, California; New York; Miami, Florida; Paris; London; Tokyo and the list goes on.
Geography and Climate are also at the center of very bitter crisis in history, one example is that of the Middle East between Palestine and Israel. Many think that it is a religious issue but it really is about a land issue. Israel is taking possession of all land that is vital to sustaining a good economy and has left the Palestinians in desert areas with minimal access to trade routes.
In conclusion, geographical and climate changes are essential to the shaping of history. They allow civilizations to grow and learn. It is interesting because these are technically uncontrollable factors but somehow, all civilizations try to control them. This tactic of attempting to control is what creates the history.