NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO • November 11, 2021
Developed countries, like the U.S and those in the European Union, are responsible for most of the heat-trapping emissions pumped into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. Developing countries have lower emissions, but are still bearing the brunt of a hotter climate through more severe heat waves, floods and droughts. To help compensate, developing countries are asking richer ones to contribute to a loss and damage fund. Industrialized countries have been reluctant to commit funding, concerned it could lead to being legally liable for the impacts of climate change.