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Earth's costly crisis - 16th November 2022

Leaders from around the world attended the COP27 conference in Egypt to discuss climate change. A major topic was how to support developing countries which are affected by climate change.

Floods, droughts and fires, which are connected to climate change, are most problematic for developing nations. They’re demanding that wealthy, polluting countries provide support via a ‘loss and damage’ fund. Earlier promises to help poorer economies develop in eco-friendly ways haven’t been kept. Now, they're seeking money to cope with extreme weather events.

Disha Ravi protested for loss and damage outside COP27.

Disha Ravi: "We are here today to ask world leaders to pay up for loss and damages in my country and other countries in the world that are on the frontline of the climate crisis, so we are here to ask today to show us the money."

Developing countries release the least amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. However, they suffer the most from the negative effects of climate change.

Joan Maguy wants world leaders to act now.

Joan Maguy: "We have a flood in our country, landslides and also drought. We are asking our leaders to put loss and damage on the agenda while making negotiations. We need our leaders to act like this is an emergency because this is an emergency right now."

Researchers have reported that CO2 levels will rise by one percent in 2022, which would be the highest rise ever.

Climate protesters believe the countries which pollute the most must pay compensation. Poorer countries are experiencing the climate problems that they cause. Ina Maria has travelled from Namibia.

Ina Maria: "Africa is not responsible for the emissions. We only contributed less than four percent, and the rest comes from the northern countries. And that's why they owe us this payment, this funding."

For Ina Maria, the fight against climate change is everyone's.

Ina Maria: "What is happening in Africa, it affects Europe too, it affects North America, it affects all peoples. The climate crisis has no borders."