What's happening?

It is normal for it to rain at the end of summer in Pakistan. But this year is different. The rain fell for longer than before. And it was heavier too. 

The rainfall has caused flooding across a huge area of Pakistan. Rivers have overflowed. Lakes have burst their banks. One-third of the country is underwater. More than 1.2 million homes have been lost and 33 million people are affectedWhen something is influenced or changed by another thing. . Some people have died. 

Top thinkers blame climate change. Warm air can hold more rain. And the heat causes ice in the mountains to melt. 

This is very unfair, say many people. Rich countries burn more fossil fuelsFuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming., which causes the climate to change. But people in Pakistan, a poorer country, are being hurt by climate change.

Some think rich countries should pay poorer countries for causing these problems. They could pay to rebuild homes or help with plans to stop more flooding. 

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But others say it is not so simple. 

Should rich countries pay for global warmingThe Earth is getting hotter due to climate change.?

Yes! Rich countries do more to cause climate change. It is only fair that they should give money to poor countries hurt by it. 

No! Normal people in rich countries are not to blame. It is big companies that burn fossil fuels that should pay.