US has caused $10tn worth of climate damage since 1990, research finds

What Happened

Research indicates that the United States has caused around $10 trillion in climate damages globally since 1990, primarily due to its status as the top carbon emitter in history. This figure includes substantial economic harm inflicted on the US itself.

Why It Matters

The findings highlight the extensive economic repercussions of the US's greenhouse gas emissions, which have contributed more to global economic damage than any other nation. This places a significant responsibility on the US to address its emissions and mitigate future climate impacts.

The Bigger Picture

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, this research emphasizes the need for accountability among major emitters. With China now the largest emitter, understanding the historical context of emissions and their economic impacts is crucial for global climate negotiations and policy-making.