Final answer:
Jared Diamond argues that the Maya collapse was due to factors such as environmental degradation and political issues, with economic problems likely playing a role as well. He suggests these factors combined to cause the decline, rather than any single cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Jared Diamond's argument, the factors contributing to the Maya collapse included a variety of issues like environmental degradation, potentially stemming from deforestation and soil depletion which led to agricultural difficulties. Political factors could also be influential, which might include breakdowns in leadership, alliances, and increased conflict.
While cultural factors like religion and social structure could contribute, these are generally not cited as primary reasons by Diamond. However, economic factors might have played a role, as the production of luxury goods and the general economy started to falter in the decline. It's important to note that Diamond does not usually isolate a single cause but suggests that a combination of factors likely led to the civilization's eventual collapse.