http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_determinism
Climatic Determinism: "Australia, for example, has a higher level of economic development than Indonesia. The paradox also applies within countries — the northern U.S. states are more developed than the southern U.S. states. Singapore is a notable counter-example: it is located at 1.22° N and is one of the world's most prosperous countries. This prosperity is based on its position as a port. Other exceptions to the paradox tend to have large natural resources. (Although Singapore's strict and no-nonsense government system matches the "strict and authoritarian" system that Montesquieu cited as being necessary for a country in warmer areas to succeed by counteracting the environmental complacency of the tropics with human-induced strictures. Saudi Arabia is a good example.)"
Montesquieu: 18 January 1689 – February 1755
Not being racist or imperialist. In fact, I'm one of those affected, and I don't think it is strongly genetic, but rather mostly behavioral. I see it in my family and culture. Not really laziness, but slowness compared to those from colder climates. There are exceptions, but heat slows people down.