Rise in temperature can spark outbursts of violence, scientists say

Bring on the cool weather - climate change is predicted to cause extreme weather, more intense storms, more frequent floods and droughts, but could it also cause us to be more violent with one another?

A new study from scientists in the US controversially draws a link between increased rates of domestic violence, assault and other violent crimes and a warming climate.

Even a small increase in average temperatures or unusual weather can spark violent behaviour, it claims.

That conflict could be a major result of global warming has long been accepted. As climate change makes vulnerable parts of the world more susceptible to weather-related problems, people move from an afflicted region to neighbouring areas, bringing them into conflict with the existing populations. That pattern has been evident around the world, and experts have even posited that conflicts such as Darfur should be regarded as climate related.

But the authors of the study, published in the journal Science, have departed from such examples to look closely at patterns of violence in Brazil, China, Germany and the US.

They found an increase in reports of domestic violence in India and Australia at times of drought, land invasions in Brazil linked to poor weather, and more controversially, a rise in the number of assaults and murders in the US and Tanzania.