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Climate change violence

Summary

2 August 2013

Changes to the climate are strongly linked to increases in violence around the world, according to a report in the journal Science. It said even small changes in temperature or rainfall were associated with a rise in conflict.

Reporter:

Rebecca Morelle

Report

Researchers from two American universities looked at data recorded from all around the world - and found the same pattern emerge. Their examples include an increase in domestic violence in India during recent droughts, and a spike¹ in assaults, rapes² and murders during heatwaves in the US. 

The report also suggests rising temperatures correlated with large conflicts - including ethnic³ clashes in Europe and civil wars in Africa. 

The researchers say the link is substantial - and they're now trying to understand why. They believe changing conditions put pressure on resources, such as water and crops - driving some to take up arms. 

Other studies show that heat causes a biological response, making people prone⁴ to aggression⁵. 

The scientists warn that a two-degree-centigrade rise in global temperatures could see personal violence increase by 15%, and group conflicts rise by more than 50% in some regions.

But other research suggests there are more complex factors at play behind most conflicts.