Is climate change driving African conflicts?

[Dogmudgeon]

Ed Stoddard of South Africa's Independent Online writes:

Many conflicts in war-torn Africa are rooted in increasingly parched and degraded land exacerbated by global warming, the first of a series of United Nations regional checkups of the planet's health found.

"From food security to health we see climate change as a very big threat right across Africa," said Crispian Olver, director general of South Africa's department of environmental affairs and tourism.

A new study which highlights the environmental causes of conflict in Africa has added to the sense of urgency and sends out flashing red lights on issues often regarded as "green".

...

Entitled the Southern African Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (Sama), it reveals a striking connection between ecological stress and social conflict.

For the complete article, go to http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=qw1096627501807B251

--bkl