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Words in the News
Climate change violence
2 August 2013
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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 assotiated with a rise in conflict.
Our science reporter Rebecca Morelle has more:
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-degree-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.
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2013
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Vocabulary and definitions
data information, numbers or facts collected by
researchers
domestic violence violence that happens at home, between family
members
droughts periods of very dry weather with little or no rain
a spike in a sudden rise in
heatwaves periods when weather is much hotter than normal
correlated with were directly connected with
to take up arms to begin fighting with weapons
prone to likely to behave or respond in a particular way
at play involved, having an effect
Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2013/08/130802_witn_climate_violence.shtml
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23538771
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2013
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bbclearningenglish.com