As Climate Summit Moves Ahead, The World's Biggest Polluters Are Behind

A U.N. climate summit is underway this week in Glasgow, Scotland. Many of the world's top carbon emitting-countries will be represented there. Scientists say they need to do more to curb greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.

The U.S, along with the China, are the world's top greenhouse gas emitters. India is third. And Brazil plays a crucial role in global climate, because it is home to vast rainforests that feed on carbon. But those rainforests are disappearing faster until the current government.

Ahead of the summit, NPR international correspondents in China, India, and Brazil gathered to discuss what climate action those countries are taking: Emily Feng in Beijing, Lauren Frayer in Mumbai, and Philip Reeves in Rio de Janeiro.

NPR's Lauren Sommer outlined the stakes at the Glasgow summit here.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Brent Baughman, Noah Caldwell, and Miguel Macias. It was edited by Ashley Brown, Mark Katkov, Nishant Dahiya, Lauren Sommer, and Neela Banerjee. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.