Does climate change cause war?
I recently entered a discussion where I put forth the notion that climate change is the driving situation that causes most of the conflicts currently playing out in the Middle East. I was challenged on the thesis, and I appreciate the challenge, because thoughtful debate is what has made our democracy great. And our democracy will continue to be great so long as we continue to support a free exchange of ideas in a respectful manner.
We’ve lost that respect for discussion. Just witness any shooters that would rather kill innocents and then themselves rather than debate their perspectives. Sad!
But that’s not a justification for giving up. So long as we continue to believe in American exceptionalism, we MUST continue to believe in discussion, in evidence-based logic, and being committed to coming to a meeting of the minds.
Discussion and evidence
So as an example of how to proceed in the effort to enable our civilization to survive and thrive utilizing discussion and evidence, I submit the following two well-researched articles that support my thesis that climate change causes wars:
[link url=”http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/07/26/3801541/climate-disasters-and-conflict-outbreak/” title=”The link between armed conflict and climate change just got a bit stronger”].
[link url=”http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/10/23/3583537/climate-change-conflict-meta-study/” title=”Climate change and rising violence are linked”].
I will leave it to you to read the articles. They’re worth your time.
But the articles and the fact-based evidence that they contain are not the point of this post. The point of this post is that every assertion that seeks to change public policy in any way will be stronger if supported by facts.
So if you are passionate about a perspective that you hold, then go out and find those facts. Apply that logic. Embrace discussion with those who don’t agree with you.
Our country and our civilization will be better for it.
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