Thread by @nytimes

Twenty-three wealthy countries are responsible for 50% of historical carbon dioxide emissions. At the UN climate summit, one of the biggest fights is whether these countries should compensate poorer nations for the damages caused by rising temperatures. nyti.ms/3c8KGwA

These rich countries account for just 12% of the global population today, but are responsible for half of the CO2 emissions over the past 170 years.

The U.S. has emitted the most carbon dioxide historically — almost a quarter of all emissions. More than 150 countries are responsible for the other 50% of CO2 emissions, with China emitting the largest share.

In the past 170 years, Earth has heated up by roughly 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit), fueling stronger and deadlier heat waves, floods, droughts and wildfires. Poorer, vulnerable countries have asked richer nations to provide more money to help adapt to these hazards.

A decade ago, the world’s wealthiest economies pledged to mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance for poorer countries by 2020. But they are still falling short by tens of billions of dollars annually. nyti.ms/3qCmawa