I'm not saying I support the idea necessarily, but

> why should the West pay?

Because: 1. It needs the rainforests to exist and 2. It's very rich.

> asking my neighbors to pay me to not burn down my flat.

Which would also might make sense if: 1. You are deranged. 2. You tend to burn stuff. 3. My flat is next door to your flat. 4. I'm rich. 5. I can't reason with you about not burning your flat.