Shifts in climate are strongly linked to human violence around the world, with even relatively minor departures from normal temperature or rainfall substantially increasing the risk of conflict in ancient times or today, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Princeton University.
The results, which cover all major regions of the world and show similar patterns whether looking at data from Brazil, China, Germany, Somalia or the United States, were published today in the journal Science. By amassing more data than any prior study, the authors were able to show that the Earth’s climate plays a more influential role in human affairs than previously thought.
I – Word Understanding
minor departures from normal temperature – minor change in temperature
amassing – gathering (of data) in large amount
II – Have your say
1. On August 12, Japan recorded 41?C in Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture.
Scientists say, temperature could rise from 3?C to 9?C by the end of this century.
How do you keep cool in this scorching temperature?
2. The Greenland ice sheet is melting and it contains an amount of ice that would lead to a rise of global sea level by more than seven metres, if completely melted.
Can we stop it?
3. It was during the 100-year war between Britain and France that direct taxation on income was introduced, a British invention designed to finance the war with France. Last year, total military spending reached $1.7 trillion.
Is war really necessary?
160 Climate strongly affects human conflict and violence worldwide, says study
