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- iHaveNet.com: Environment
Manmade global warming helped spark the brutal civil war in Syria by doubling to tripling the odds that a crippling drought in the Fertile Crescent would occur shortly before the fighting broke out, according to a groundbreaking new study published on March 2.The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first to attribute the drought in Syria in large part to global warming.
The claim that global warming helped trigger Syria's civil war is a subject of debate among experts and researchers. While it is challenging to attribute the conflict solely to climate change, there is evidence to suggest that environmental factors played a role in exacerbating existing socio-economic and political tensions. Here are some key points to consider:
Drought and Agricultural Decline
Syria experienced a severe drought from 2006 to 2010, which led to significant agricultural losses and displacement of rural populations. The drought was one of the most severe in the region's recorded history, and it is believed to have been influenced by climate change.
Socio-Economic Impacts
The drought and subsequent agricultural decline had significant socio-economic consequences, particularly in rural areas heavily reliant on agriculture. It contributed to food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and increased migration from rural to urban areas.
Urbanization and Unemployment
The influx of displaced rural populations into urban areas strained resources and services, leading to increased competition for limited opportunities. The lack of employment prospects and social tensions in urban centers contributed to discontent and grievances.
Political and Social Context
The civil war in Syria was driven by complex political, social, and ethnic factors, including government repression, political instability, inequality, and sectarian tensions. These pre-existing factors interacted with the environmental stressors, creating a volatile situation.
Climate Change as a Contributing Factor
While the direct link between climate change and conflict is challenging to establish, studies suggest that climate change can act as a "threat multiplier" by exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and tensions. In the case of Syria, the drought and its socio-economic impacts may have contributed to the underlying grievances that erupted into conflict.
It is important to note that the Syrian civil war was a complex and multi-faceted conflict with numerous causes. While environmental factors, including climate change, likely played a role in exacerbating tensions, it is crucial to consider the broader political, social, and historical context when analyzing the conflict's causes and dynamics.
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"Global Warming Helped Trigger Syria's Civil War "