Epidemiological research progress on the association between air temperature and violence

Global warming has become an important environmental factor that seriously threatens human life and health. Numerous studies have linked extreme temperature events to human morbidity or mortality. In recent years, studies have found that air temperature has been demonstrated to be related to human suicide or homicide. For a systematical understanding of the link between air temperature and violence, this paper reviews current epidemiological research advances on their associations. Most studies suggested that temperature change may be associated with suicide, homicide, rape, assault, robbery, and group violence, and the underlying mechanisms are complex, which mainly include biological mechanisms, daily activity mechanisms, and socioeconomic factors-driven mechanisms. However, some studies found no or insignificant association. Therefore, further studies on the relationship between temperature change and violence should be strengthened in the future, and adaptation measures should be taken to effectively reduce the incidence of temperature-related violence.