Do Hot, Dry Conditions Cause More African Civil Wars?

We've covered industries and species that climate change will affect, but is more war the next side effect of a warming world? A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ties warmer temperatures to higher incidence of civil wars in Africa. The scientists warn that the continent could see 54 percent more armed conflict—and almost 400,000 more war deaths—by 2030 if climate projections prove true. Why would war and temperature be connected? Because war and food are connected. Says research leader Marshall Burke: "Studies show that crop yields in the region are really sensitive to small shifts in temperature, even of half a degree (Celsius) or so.... If the sub-Saharan climate continues to warm and little is done to help its countries better adapt to high temperatures, the human costs are likely to be staggering"