In his new book, The Heat and the Fury, journalist Peter Schwartzstein documents how climate change is driving conflict around the world. Drawing on his personal experiences covering the climate security beat, Schwartzstein reveals the violent consequences of a warming planet.
Personal Encounters with Violence
Schwartzstein has faced numerous dangers while reporting, including being chased by kidnappers, badly beaten, and detained by police. He has been told he is no longer welcome in certain countries. These personal brushes with violence, however, are merely a hint of the larger conflicts simmering globally.
Daesh and Drought in Iraq
In Iraq, Schwartzstein visited ravaged towns where Daesh used drought as a recruiting tool and weapon of terror. The militant group exploited water scarcity to radicalize vulnerable populations and consolidate control, turning environmental stress into a strategic advantage.
Bangladeshi Farmers Turned Pirates
In Bangladesh, Schwartzstein interviewed farmers who could no longer make a living off the land due to climate impacts. These individuals turned to piracy, living off bloody ransoms instead. The shift from agriculture to crime highlights the desperation caused by environmental degradation.
A Broader Warning
According to Schwartzstein, these cases are part of a larger pattern where climate change acts as a threat multiplier, exacerbating existing tensions and creating new ones. The Heat and the Fury serves as a stark warning about the security implications of a warming world.
