Rising temperatures, rising tempers?

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

<link type="page"><caption> Listen to the report</caption><url href="http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.edgesuite.net/mp3/learningenglish/2013/08/130802_witn_climate_violence_report_130802_witn_climate_violence_report_au_bb.mp3" platform="highweb"/></link>

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 spike in assaults, rapes and murders during heatwaves in the US.

The report also suggests rising temperatures correlated with large conflicts - including ethnic 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 prone to aggression.

The scientists warn that a two degrees 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.

Vocabulary

<link type="page"><caption> Listen to the words</caption><url href="http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.edgesuite.net/mp3/learningenglish/2013/08/130802_witn_climate_violence_words_130802_witn_climate_violence_words_au_bb.mp3" platform="highweb"/></link>

data: data; informasi, angka, dan fakta yang dikumpulkan oleh peneliti

domestic violence: kekerasan dalam rumah tangga

droughts: musim kemarau

a spike in: kenaikan tajam dalam

heatwaves: gelombang panas

correlated with: berhubungan atau berkaitan dengan

to take up arms: memulai konflik dengan menggunakan senjata

prone to: rentan terhadap

at play: menjadi penyebab