Climate Change Incites War

Global warming will increase the risk of civil wars in Africa, according to a study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. Scientists found a strong historical link between higher-than-normal temperatures and outbreaks of civil violence in Africa. Using future temperature and precipitation estimates, scientists concluded that by 2030 the risk of civil war would increase by 55 percent. A large majority of people in Africa rely on agriculture to survive; small temperature changes would harm crops, increasing poverty and therefore the possibility of civil unrest. Researchers say this information should motivate African governments and international aid to help the continent adapt to climate change.