francene--blog. Year 2013
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August 2nd

8/2/2013

 
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Shifts in climate are strongly linked to increases in violence around the world. US scientists found that small changes in temperature or rainfall correlated with a rise in assaults, rapes and murders, group conflicts and war.

Economist Solomon Hsiang of the University of California, Berkeley, and lead author of the study published by Science, said that whenever the analyzed studies looked at temperature and conflict, the link was clear, no matter where or when. 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.


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With data spanning hundreds of years, his analysis examines studies on collapses of empires or dynasties, examinations of crime and aggression and more than 30 studies on wars, civil strife or intergroup disputes. Hsiang pointed out the collapse of the Mayan civilization coincided with periods of historic drought about 1,200 years ago.

Researchers analyzed 60 studies on historic empire collapses, recent wars, violent crime rates in the United States, lab simulations that tested police decisions on when to shoot and even cases where pitchers threw deliberately at batters in baseball. They found a common thread over centuries: Extreme weather—very hot or dry—means more violence.


Picturescience.howstuffworks.com
Scientists predict the world is likely to become a more violent place. With an estimated 2C rise in global temperature, personal crimes increase by about 15%, and group disputes rise by more than 50% in some regions.

However, the scenario for disaster is probably untrue. With positive changes in technology, economics, politics and health, conflict is likely to drop. Also, many other factors play a role in discord. Will conflict from global warming outweigh peace from prosperity? It’s a race against time.

Some studies suggest that heat causes people to be prone to aggression. Although people say they feel sluggish when they are hot, their heart rate and other physical responses are aroused and elevated. They think they are not agitated, when in fact they are.

When the temperature rises, I'm inclined to get lethargic in my dotage. However, when I worked in a fiery kitchen, I had to force myself to overcome exhaustion. Maybe an overheated person needs mental strength to conquer the desire to lash out in temper. Humans are all at different stages of their learning. Compare Hitler to Gandhi.

How do you act in the heat?


Cameron O'Shea link
8/1/2013 08:53:26 pm

Such an interesting finding

Francene Stanley link
8/2/2013 03:13:12 am

Let's hope it never happens.

Karen Warren link
8/1/2013 08:58:58 pm

This is interesting, Francene, although the findings don't surprise me. I've sometimes found myself becoming 'ratty' if the heat is too much for me. I think it brings existing tensions to the boil. We need to think seriously about climate change and what it means for us.

Francene Stanley link
8/1/2013 09:59:20 pm

You are so right. All the repressed feelings can't be held back when our temperature rises.

Dayna Camp link
8/2/2013 04:00:22 am

That is very interesting about the climate and crime! I never thought about it. Thanks for enlightening me.

As far as how I react to to heat, I'm very irritable. Especially since I've started having hot flashes! :)

Alana link
8/2/2013 07:18:22 am

I am not a likeable person in the heat. I am easily angered, and irritable. The link between heat and crime, I think, has been well established in large cities in the United States. I hope that technology can keep up with the challenges we face with weather in the coming years.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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