The developing countries of the South are the most vulnerable to the likely impacts of climate change. Their economies are often highly dependent on agriculture, which is the economic sector most at risk . The danger is greatest for those countries whose agriculture is already marginal and exposed to droughts and other dangers. Also, because developing countries have weaker economies, they may lack the financial resources necessary for addressing the economic and social consequences of climate change. Certain developing countries would be particularly vulnerable because they are already at the limits of their capacity to cope with problems created by their current climate.
Industrialized countries are better positioned to absorb the negative effects of climate change.
With their more diversified industrial economies, richer countries have more resources for responding to climate change. What s more, agriculture in the US, Canada, northern Europe, and Russia may even benefit if global warming leads to longer growing seasons and improved moisture conditions. As a result, the North may prove to be the relative winner vis a vis the South, gaining more from the fruits of industrialization while suffering less from the consequences of climate change. As a result, climate change may intensify conflict between the rich and poor nations of the world. Although caused mostly by 150 years of industrial activity in the North, climate change is likely to have its most destructive impact on the nations of the South.