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Lauren Sommer

Stories

  • Now in overtime, UN climate talks continue

    UN climate negotiations are in overtime in Azerbiajan as countries scramble to land a deal on how to finance the damages brought on by climate change. The impacts often are felt most by poor countries that have contributed the least to global warming.

  • Richer countries are starting to pay poorer ones for climate change damages

    A big question in the COP29 negotiations is how much rich countries should compensate less wealthy nations. That's because richer countries are responsible for the majority of climate change. After a historic announcement last year setting up a loss and damage fund, countries will still be hashing out how it works at this COP. But on the ground examples are starting to emerge. Scotland has given funds to compensate vulnerable countries for climate disasters and that money has been given out to residents in Malawi who lost their homes in a destructive cyclone.

  • caption: Heavy rain from Hurricane Helene caused destructive flooding in North Carolina this year. A new study from the United Nations Environment Programme shows the world is on track for more severe climate impacts, like severe storms and extreme rain.

    How is the world doing on climate change? Not great

    Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and the world is still on track for severe climate change impacts, a new U.N. report finds. Countries will meet for international climate talks next month.

  • Why climate change is hurting older Americans' finances

    Older Americans are particularly vulnerable to climate-driven extreme weather like hurricanes, floods and heat waves because they often live on fixed incomes, are less able to rebuild their financial lives after a disaster and suffer a cascade of medical and other problems if they are displaced from their homes. Research suggests, as housing prices rise and the population in the U.S. ages, the problem is only growing.