Buckle's theory operated under the assumption that the environment is an imperatively aspect in the stability and growth of countries. Mainly because a good environment is conducive to sufficient and consistent food production. However, multiple existing factors keep the environment from being able to bear plentiful harvests.

Within South Africa, these issues come to light as varying climates in different areas. Overall South Africa has a climate that is somewhat fertile due to its overall warm weather, but due to limited rainfall in most areas, large crop harvests are a challenge.

Conversely, Spencer theorises the concept of environment in tandem with the theory of evolution known as natural selection. In this, he poses the idea that humans are a threat to the livelihood of existing animal species due to their involvement with nature.

Humans harmful practices such as pollution, deforestation, etc harms the environment, which, in turn can cause harm to certain plant and animal species, and conclusivelym his end up harming humans as this behaviour disrupts the food cycle, meaning that humans, in addition, end up suffering the consequences as well.