Climate disasters seen increasing conflict risk in large countries

(Reuters, 2 Apr 2020) Extreme weather bring greater risk of conflict in underdeveloped countries with large populations and ethnic tensions.

Countries with large populations and low levels of development are most likely to see a rise in the risk of armed conflict after extreme weather events, according to a new study that researchers said underscored the need to boost their resilience.

Almost one in three conflicts in large countries with ethnic tensions and low levels of development over the last 25 years broke out within seven days of such a disaster, said scientists from Germany, Sweden and Australia.

Even small-scale disasters can increase the risk of conflict in vulnerable places, according to the research paper, published in the journal Global Environmental Change this week.

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Reuters, 2 Apr 2020: Climate disasters seen increasing conflict risk in large countries