Been working on a paper that seeks to address environmental sustainability issues, the interim results so far are that climatic conditions affect urbanization by influencing agriculture, migration, and energy needs. Extreme weather can disrupt farming, pushing people to cities for better opportunities. Rising temperatures also increase energy demands, making cities more expensive to run.
In traditional economies, passive techniques like natural ventilation and thick walls helped manage temperature without extra energy. These methods made markets more comfortable and efficient, reducing costs and boosting economic activity.
Lastly, I think by using local micro-climates, traditional economies improved comfort and market liquidity without needing modern tech.