Extreme weather and violent behaviour
Severe weather can lead to increased aggressive behaviour and domestic violence, making climate change a concern for community safety as well as the environment.
Applies to England
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Topic: health impacts
Part of: Climate change and mental health
Key resources on extreme weather and violence:
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Extreme weather and violent behaviour
The link between extreme weather events and aggression
Extreme weather events can increase violent behaviour. Heatwaves, wildfires, flooding and droughts are often traumatic and stressful events that can affect emotional regulation leading to hostility and aggression.
The climate change and mental health report looked at the association between extreme weather and violence (see section 1.9). In particular, the confidence assessment notes that:
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wildfires, heat events and droughts increase risks of violence (moderate confidence)
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flooding events increase risks of violence (low confidence because the evidence was mixed)
Hot weather is associated with:
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more aggressive behaviour in mental health facilities
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increased gender-based violence
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increased domestic violence
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higher rates of agitation in people with dementia
Wildfires can trigger or intensify domestic aggression. Communities affected by wildfires, especially women from these communities, have reported higher levels of violence than those in unaffected areas.
International evidence, including from economically similar countries such as Australia and Canada, links flooding to increased domestic violence, with those experiencing violence fearing repeated violence during future flooding events.
Drought-related stress may contribute to household conflict. Economic pressures and resource scarcity during droughts can lead to increased domestic abuse and relationship strain.
Domestic violence may be underreported during extreme weather events, making it a hidden but serious concern.