91av

Earth

Civil war in Africa has no link to climate change

By Peter Aldhous

8 September 2010

91av. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Temperature is not the issue

(Image: Daniel Pepper/Getty)

THE idea that global warming will increase the incidence of civil conflict in Africa is wrong, according to a new study. What’s more, the researchers who previously made the claim now concede that civil conflict has been on the wane in Africa since 2002, as prosperity has increased. If the trend continues, a more peaceful future may be in store.

A link between climate change and conflict was discovered last year, when a team led by of the University of California at Berkeley and of Stanford University,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with 91av events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop