Explainer: The Function of BRICS in the Worldwide Battle Against Climate Change
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22 to 24, presents an important chance for BRICS countries to tackle numerous global issues, notably climate change.
TroibNews 
The forthcoming 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22 to 24, presents a vital chance for BRICS members to tackle various global issues, particularly climate change.
This year's summit is of special significance as it is the first since the group's expansion to welcome Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates into the original lineup of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
A joint statement released during the BRICS High-level Meeting on Climate Change in 2022 highlighted the active role of BRICS countries in the multilateral climate change process and their substantial contributions to global low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable development.
As the summit approaches, it's essential to examine the contributions of BRICS nations in the global battle against climate change.
**National Emission Goals**
China has set a target to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. By 2021, China's energy consumption intensity per unit of GDP was 26.2 percent lower than in 2012, with renewable energy capacity exceeding 1 billion kilowatts. Furthermore, a joint statement indicated that China contributes to a quarter of the global net increase in green leaf area. The country is also advancing the establishment of a national carbon market and enhancing support for other developing nations in green and low-carbon development, while pledging to refrain from new coal-fired power projects abroad.
Brazil, on its part, has established targets that include a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and eliminating illegal deforestation by 2028. Additionally, Brazil joined the Global Pact on Methane and announced the launch of the National Program for the Reduction of Methane Emissions – Zero Methane.
Russia has set its sights on achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, with data revealing that 45 percent of its energy comes from low-emission sources, like nuclear power. The nation is also developing infrastructure for hydrogen production as a renewable energy source and energy carrier.
India has reduced its emissions intensity of GDP by 24 percent compared to 2005 levels, reflecting a growing separation of emissions from economic growth. The country has laid out its climate commitments, including achieving 50 percent of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, reducing carbon intensity of the economy by 45 percent by 2030, and targeting net zero emissions by 2070. India's forest coverage continues to rise, with 24.62 percent of its land area designated for forest and tree cover, and it has added 23 Ramsar wetland sites over the last three years, establishing the largest network of Ramsar sites in South Asia.
South Africa has formed a presidential climate commission, adopted a national adaptation strategy, implemented an enhanced mitigation framework with comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, and developed a long-term low emissions development strategy.
**Impact of Membership Expansion**
An August 2023 article from the Institute for Security Studies, based in Pretoria, South Africa, suggested that BRICS could catalyze a new global alliance aimed at addressing the world's climate crisis. The group represents half of the world's population and nearly 30 percent of its land area, making it particularly susceptible to the consequences of climate change.
A study in the June issue of Nature predicted that ongoing global climate change could adversely affect around 143 million people in the Global South by 2050, prompting migrations and shifts in mobility patterns. Nonetheless, the importance of the developing world has often been overlooked.
As reported by Xinhua News Agency, the expansion of BRICS membership is expected to enhance its influence in international affairs. An article by the Observer Research Foundation, an independent think tank located in Delhi, India, echoed this sentiment, stating that a larger BRICS is better equipped to collectively address global challenges, including climate change.
Following the increase in membership from five to ten in January, Malaysia and Thailand expressed intentions to join in June. To date, over 30 countries have shown interest, with ten officially applying for membership in BRICS.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
This year's summit is of special significance as it is the first since the group's expansion to welcome Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates into the original lineup of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
A joint statement released during the BRICS High-level Meeting on Climate Change in 2022 highlighted the active role of BRICS countries in the multilateral climate change process and their substantial contributions to global low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable development.
As the summit approaches, it's essential to examine the contributions of BRICS nations in the global battle against climate change.
**National Emission Goals**
China has set a target to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. By 2021, China's energy consumption intensity per unit of GDP was 26.2 percent lower than in 2012, with renewable energy capacity exceeding 1 billion kilowatts. Furthermore, a joint statement indicated that China contributes to a quarter of the global net increase in green leaf area. The country is also advancing the establishment of a national carbon market and enhancing support for other developing nations in green and low-carbon development, while pledging to refrain from new coal-fired power projects abroad.
Brazil, on its part, has established targets that include a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and eliminating illegal deforestation by 2028. Additionally, Brazil joined the Global Pact on Methane and announced the launch of the National Program for the Reduction of Methane Emissions – Zero Methane.
Russia has set its sights on achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, with data revealing that 45 percent of its energy comes from low-emission sources, like nuclear power. The nation is also developing infrastructure for hydrogen production as a renewable energy source and energy carrier.
India has reduced its emissions intensity of GDP by 24 percent compared to 2005 levels, reflecting a growing separation of emissions from economic growth. The country has laid out its climate commitments, including achieving 50 percent of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, reducing carbon intensity of the economy by 45 percent by 2030, and targeting net zero emissions by 2070. India's forest coverage continues to rise, with 24.62 percent of its land area designated for forest and tree cover, and it has added 23 Ramsar wetland sites over the last three years, establishing the largest network of Ramsar sites in South Asia.
South Africa has formed a presidential climate commission, adopted a national adaptation strategy, implemented an enhanced mitigation framework with comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, and developed a long-term low emissions development strategy.
**Impact of Membership Expansion**
An August 2023 article from the Institute for Security Studies, based in Pretoria, South Africa, suggested that BRICS could catalyze a new global alliance aimed at addressing the world's climate crisis. The group represents half of the world's population and nearly 30 percent of its land area, making it particularly susceptible to the consequences of climate change.
A study in the June issue of Nature predicted that ongoing global climate change could adversely affect around 143 million people in the Global South by 2050, prompting migrations and shifts in mobility patterns. Nonetheless, the importance of the developing world has often been overlooked.
As reported by Xinhua News Agency, the expansion of BRICS membership is expected to enhance its influence in international affairs. An article by the Observer Research Foundation, an independent think tank located in Delhi, India, echoed this sentiment, stating that a larger BRICS is better equipped to collectively address global challenges, including climate change.
Following the increase in membership from five to ten in January, Malaysia and Thailand expressed intentions to join in June. To date, over 30 countries have shown interest, with ten officially applying for membership in BRICS.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
