It is widely recognized that the climate is changing. Research is now done on the effects of climate change on human security. There is controversy about the relation between climate change and...Show moreIt is widely recognized that the climate is changing. Research is now done on the effects of climate change on human security. There is controversy about the relation between climate change and violent conflict. Supporters of the relation argue that climate change can cause violent conflict through resource scarcity and migration, but others argue that there is too much disagreement between studies to draw strong conclusions. This thesis examined the relation between climate change and violent conflict within Sub-Saharan Africa and bridged the gap between qualitative and quantitative research. The qualitative research showed that violent conflict is a complex phenomenon, that cannot be explained through one cause. The legacy of colonialism, ethnicity, neopatrimonialism and resources have all been identified as causes of violent conflict in Africa. The quantitative research showed a relation between the climatic variables and violent conflict. Lower levels of precipitation and higher levels of temperature were related to violent conflict in the continent. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on violent conflict was mediated by government effectiveness. It was concluded that climate change can indeed cause violent conflict, but never as a sole-cause. It is a threat multiplier, because it exacerbates the already existing causes to violent conflict, and therefore human security.Show less
