World leaders are gathering in Azerbaijan for the COP29 Climate Conference to reign in carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels. NBC News’ Maura Barrett reports on who is attending the meeting and why there could be tension between certain leaders.

The heads of the 13 biggest emitters, including the U.S., China, and France, will not be present at this year's U.N. climate change conference.

The climate talks often have the star power of a soccer World Cup, but many big names and powerful countries are noticeably absent. That includes the top leaders of the 13 largest carbon dioxide-polluting countries.