Climate Change Linked to Increased Violence in Andean History
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis, has provided evidence of a correlation between climate change and an upsurge in violence during Andean history. The study, which focused on the south-central Andes region between A.D. 470 and 1500, suggests that climate change and competition for limited resources played a significant role in heightened interpersonal conflicts during that time.
By analyzing head injuries among the populations of the highlands during this period, the researchers found that a decrease in precipitation was associated with an increase in rates of cranial trauma. This observation suggests that the region’s climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and droughts, had a substantial impact on interpersonal violence.
Interestingly, the study did not find the same pattern of increased violence in coastal and mid-elevation regions. This discrepancy implies that these areas either found nonviolent solutions to climate change or were unaffected by it. The researchers believe that the agricultural and economic diversity of these regions may have helped buffer against the effects of climate change, preventing the occurrence of violence.
Thomas J. Snyder, the primary author of the study, emphasizes the importance of considering historical interactions between humans and nature when assessing the potential consequences of current climate change challenges. The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder that individuals living in vulnerable environments are most likely to suffer the harshest consequences of climate change.
To investigate violence during this historical period, the UC Davis researchers examined existing data, analyzing nearly 3,000 skeletal fractures from 58 archaeological sites across Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. They compared these records with ice accumulation at the Quelccaya glacier, a reliable indicator of past climate conditions. The study revealed a strong association between reduced ice accumulation and an increased likelihood of interpersonal violence.
The Andean region’s rich archaeological record, combined with its exceptionally preserved artifacts and extreme climatic variability, provides a valuable opportunity to study human responses to climate change. Through this research, scientists can gain insights that help predict and manage the challenges faced by populations living in precarious positions during rapidly changing climates.
The findings of this study shed light on the historical ramifications of climate change in terms of violence and social upheaval. By understanding the past, we can better navigate the present and plan for the future. As climate change continues to pose significant challenges to our planet, it is crucial that we learn from history and take proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities from the most severe impacts.
