While the link between temperatures and gun violence has been previously assessed, a recent study has examined the link between gun violence and hot weather on a national scale.
Gun Violence During Hot Days
From Portland to Philadelphia, there has been an observed increase in gun violence during hot weather. SciTechDaily notes that, though previous research has tried to examine the correlation between gun violence and hot weather, this is limited due to its scope in only a few cities.
Now, a study published in the JAMA Network Open, which was also conducted by the School of Social Work at the University of Washington and the School of Public Health at Boston University, provides the first analysis of gun violence related to hot weather as a national concern.
Based on the study, generally, the hottest days of the year have the highest gun violence incidence, as per The Trace.
The research observed consistent links between higher gun violence risks and higher temperatures across 100 of the most populated cities in the US. The study shows that almost 7% of gun violence could be attributed to unusually high temperatures, even after taking seasonal changes into account. Findings also show that the Midwest and Northeastern areas experience heightened gun violence incidence on days that are unusually hot.
Senior study author Dr. Jonathan Jay, who is a community health sciences assistant professor at the BUSPH and director of the RISE (Research on Innovations for Safety and Equity) Lab and partner faculty member of the CCH (Center for Climate and Health), notes how their study serves as solid proof that temperature levels significantly impact the fluctuations in gun violence incidents.
With climate change threatening daily weather, the researchers express how these findings suggest the need to have continuous programs and policies for vulnerable communities and for risk mitigation of gun violence that is presupposed by heat.
Lead author and research scientist Dr. Vivian Lyons from the Social Development Research Group notes how the study stresses the need to have strategies for heat adaptation that can be implemented throughout the year. There is also a need to raise awareness in areas where the correlation is strongest.
According to Dr. Lyons, cities that have high gun violence rates should continuously have prevention strategies implemented. These should also cover messenger programs and intervention programs that are hospital-based.
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Why Does Heat Affect Gun Violence Incidence?
While this link has been established, people may be wondering why temperature levels affect firearm violence to such an extent. Dr. Jay notes that it could be due to the stress caused by heat that makes people more prone to being aggressive.
He also stresses how it may possibly be due to the higher likelihood of going out and interacting more during warmer days. This, in turn, leads to more doors for violence and conflict to penetrate.
Dr. Jay emphasizes that it is likely a mixture of both factors.
How Serious Is Gun Violence?
Across the US, gun violence has become a pressing public health concern that has been affecting communities and individuals. SciTechDaily highlights how it can come in many guises, be it mass shootings, suicide, or homicide. Its impacts are quite devastating and may lead to long-term consequences for victims as well as their families and communities.
Such an issue is also a leading cause of death for adolescents and children. SciTechDaily also notes how such violence incidents have become significantly worse over the course of the pandemic.
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