We know that carbon dioxide emissions are the main driver of climate change, a.k.a. global warming, according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. A hotter world brings warmer oceans, which produce more forceful Atlantic hurricanes and Pacific typhoons, causing greater devastation, particularly in island nations such as the Philippines, which often do not have the resources to recover from catastrophic weather events. A single storm can set a country like the Philippines back decades.

In short, the logic goes, the developed world caused global warming. Therefore, it should compensate developing countries when they suffer because of our drive to industrialize as rapidly as we have over the past 250 years.

Whether developed nations decide to aid poor countries that are battered and bruised by climate events, we should all lend a helping hand to the degree that we can right now. On the day Haiyan struck, my wife and I sent a donation to the American Red Cross to aid in the relief effort. Ditto when the Moore tornado struck. Even $10 helps.

To help out, you can check out the websites of these important nonprofit organizations: Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org.ph), Oxfam International (oxfam.org/en/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan), UNICEF (unicef.org/philippines/) and the Salvation Army (donate.salvationarmyusa.org/TyphoonHaiyan).

Scott Brinton is senior editor of the Bellmore and Merrick Heralds and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Graduate Journalism Program. Comments? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203. Brinton’s profile and posts can be found at facebook.com/scottabrinton.