Developing countries bear over nine-tenths of the climate change burden, despite being among the least polluting nations. The 50 least developed countries contribute less than 1% of total global carbon emissions

Africa is the region most at risk from climate change, home to 15 of the 20 most vulnerable countries. These 15 countries collectively emitted less than 0.7% of total carbon emissions.

Altogether African countries emitted only 4% of all carbon.

Without change, predictions say that by 2030 worldwide deaths will reach almost 500,000 per year with 660 million people affected by climate change annually and the total annual economic cost will increase to $340 billion annually.

98% of developing countries are seriously affected by climate change, bearing over 90% of the total economic losses and 99% of casualties due to climate change.

To avert the worst possible outcomes, climate change adaptation efforts need to be scaled up by a factor of 100 in developing countries.

Mohamed Nasheed, President of The Maldives, has said that there is so little money offered to vulnerable nations that it was " like arriving at an earthquake with a dustpan and brush".

By working together in a partnership commitment for immediate and effective action while recognising the economic realities of the global economy, business and governments can begin to reverse the disastrous environmental and human impact of climate change.