New Delhi, March 27 -- Wealthy nations fuelled their industrial growth and urbanisation by burning fossil fuels. This was the biggest cause of climate change, which now affects every country in the world, even developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa that are responsible for less than 4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Wealthy nations owe a climate debt.

Africa is urbanising too, and needs funds to house nearly a billion additional people by 2050 and to start adapting its cities to climate change. Urban economist Astrid Haas reviews a new report by the non-governmental organisation Action Aid on climate debt. She discusses the climate debt owed to Africa and why South Africa's presidency of the G20 is an opportunity to push...