People In Poverty Have The Most At Stake As World Climate Talks Begin

Data shows that even in developed nations relatively sheltered from climate change, over 80% of poor people are exposed to at least one climate hazard, like drought, air pollution or extreme heat.

This story is by Melina Walling and Eléonore Hughes

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — When summer heat comes to the Arara neighborhood in northern Rio, it lingers, baking the red brick and concrete that make up many of the buildings long after the sun has gone down. Luis Cassiano, who’s lived here more than 30 years, says he’s getting worried as heat waves become more frequent and fierce.

In poor areas such as Arara, those who can afford air conditioning — Cassiano is one — can’t always count on it because of frequent power outages on an overloaded system. Conditions were so unbearable for Cassiano that h