In an era of escalating climate challenges and changing geopolitical landscapes, emerging economies have been playing a critical role in global climate governance. Among these, the BRICS group—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has emerged as a vital player. With more than 35 percent of the global economy and over 45 percent of the world’s population, BRICS wields considerable influence in determining sustainable development pathways. The bloc has consistently advocated for balanced green growth policies rooted in the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), which recognises that while all nations share responsibility for climate action, their obligations vary based on historical emissions and capabilities. This principle has since evolved into CBDR-RC (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities), which also accounts for countries’ present capacities to respond to climate challenges.
This article explores how BRICS has embarked on the approach to global climate governance through innovative strategies, financial measures, and robust multilateral collaborations. It explores the implications of recent geo-political shifts such as the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia as well as Donald Trump’s re-electionas President of the United States and its potential implications for BRICS to optimally leverage developments for gaining a stronger status of leadership in climate action. This article highlights BRICS’ leadership in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development in the Global South through an analysis of its initiatives and partnerships and the potential.
BRICS Climate Strategy: Finance and Innovation
The New Development Bank (NDB) established by BRICS in 2014, has transformed into an institution for mobilisation of resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in its member countries and other emerging economies. Driven by the principle of equal representation of member states, the NDB championed an inclusive governance structure that reflects the BRICS coalition’s core values and ensures the voices of all member states are heard. The bank invests in critical sectors such as logistical, social, environmental, and digital infrastructures in the Global South. Figure 1 highlights the New Development Bank’s portfolio growth across various sectors from 2016 to 2023, based on the latest available data from the NDB Annual Report 2023. Transport infrastructure saw the highest increase, reaching USD 11.67 billion in 2023. Clean energy and water projects also expanded steadily. Investments in social and digital infrastructure remained relatively modest. The bank’s active portfolio reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development and infrastructure financing in emerging economies.
| Figure 1: Sectoral Changes in NDB’s Portfolio (as of 31 December 2023) |
At the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russian Federation, from October 22–24, 2024, the five-member bloc reaffirmed its commitment to the CBDR-RC principle as a cornerstone of their climate policy. CBDR-RC recognises the historical role of developed countries in emissions and is a recognition of their obligation. At the summit, participants also noted the successes of the NDB in funding renewable energy projects, promoting green infrastructure, and supporting urban development in a climate-resilient way.
At the Kazan Summit, BRICS leaders argued for the right to push back against global frameworks that unfairly burden developing countries with responsibilities regarding climate change mitigation. By emphasising the historical accountability of developed nations, BRICS seeks to recalibrate global climate strategies to ensure fairness and justice. The advocacy for equity aligns with calls from the Global South to emphasise green financing, research, capacity building, and technology transfer mechanisms. Through the NDB funding, BRICS is paving the path to achieving these goals. The bloc also discussed expanding the reach of the NDB into new partnerships beyond the global south, thereby amplifying its impact on a global scale.
BRICS’ climate strategy represents a bold and integrated approach to addressing global challenges. By coupling equitable financing mechanisms with a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the bloc is setting a precedent for sustainable development that prioritises the needs of the Global South. As the impacts of climate change grow more pronounced, the BRICS model offers a roadmap for collective action that balances responsibility, fairness, and ambition.
BRICS in Global Climate Forums
Over the years, BRICS has emerged as a vital voice in advocating for equitable and inclusive climate policies at the global level. The coalition consistently emphasises that international climate negotiations must account for the disproportionate effect of climate change on developing countries and that a fair policy framework is required for those dealing with the resultant impacts. The commitment of BRICS to the principle of CBDR as well as CBDR-RC has been a steadfast one, highlighting the historical responsibility of developed countries for greenhouse gas emissions and their consequent obligation to lead in mitigation and financial support.
The persistent call for developed nations to honor their climate finance commitments is the key pillar of BRICS climate diplomacy. This demand is rooted in the Paris Agreement, which calls for USD 100 billion a year to help developing countries meet their adaptation and mitigation challenges. These financial commitments are vital for sustainable development of the Global South, where climate vulnerability is often a function of limited resources. BRICS’ insistence on these obligations makes the voices of emerging economies central to global climate negotiations.
BRICS frontlines a holistic approach to climate initiatives which reconcile socio-economic development with environmental goals, as counterbalance to Western climate initiatives. The bloc argues that sustainable development can only be pursued when pressing developmental needs relating to poverty alleviation, energy access, and infrastructure development are addressed. The climate action pursued by BRICS is not only geared towards immediate environmental challenges but also towards long-term resilience and equity for developing nations by linking climate action with broader socio-economic objectives.
As BRICS pursues balanced climate governance, it now has the support of other developing nations forming a powerful bloc in favour of fairness and inclusivity. The solidarity further strengthens the voice of the Global South in global forums and denies the mainstream narrative which has tended to prioritise the interests of wealthier nations. It has been recognised as a driver in designing a more equitable climate governance paradigm by the leadership showcasing alternatives and solutions through various fora.
BRICS has continued to advocate beyond the global level, including coordinating climate strategies with regional organisations like the African Union and ASEAN and enhancing South-South cooperation. By way of these partnerships, best practices are shared, technological and financial capacity are improved, and climate resilience is advanced across a broad range of ecosystems. That extends to work on renewable energy projects, reforestation efforts, and water resource management — all pressing matters in responding to the effects of climate change.
BRICS-led climate diplomacy also includes hosting annual sustainability forums, which bring together policymakers, scientists, activists, and business leaders to discuss actionable strategies for climate governance. There are forums where ideas are exchanged, innovation is fostered, and consensus-building on carbon markets, green finance, and biodiversity conservation takes place. BRICS enables the development of pragmatic and locally adaptable solutions to global climate challenges by creating these spaces for dialogue.
BRICS also acts as the central body for rethinking global climate governance around the issues of equity, development, and cooperation. Through advocacy, partnerships, and initiatives the bloc bridges this gap to see sustainability and socio-economic progress side by side.
US Presidential Election 2024 and Implications for BRICS
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 Presidential Election, making him the 45th President of the United States has raised significant concerns among climate advocates and policymakers. However, climate advocates and policymakers have expressed great concern with this development. Under its previous term, the Trump administration decided to make the US step down from the Paris Agreement of 2015, a landmark international agreement aimed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and protect the global climate. This withdrawal significantly weakened international climate efforts, as the US is one of the world’s biggest carbon dioxide emitters.
Trump’s re-election could once again deprioritise climate finance and international cooperation, undermining progress toward global emission reduction targets. His administration’s historical focus on deregulating the fossil fuel industry and promoting energy independence through non-renewable sources could hinder advancements in clean energy initiatives and climate adaptation strategies. This shift would have disproportionate effects on developing nations, many of which depend heavily on external funds and technological aid for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. If the US scales back or eliminates its contributions, it could create significant financing gaps, leaving vulnerable countries with fewer resources to combat the impacts of climate change.
In this scenario, BRICS could assume global leadership on the climate stage. BRICS nations, particularly through mechanisms such as the NDB, have increasingly emphasised the importance of equity and inclusivity in climate finance. The potential withdrawal of US leadership provides an opportunity for BRICS to strengthen its position as a champion of the Global South, promoting a climate agenda rooted in self-sufficiency, equitable resource distribution, and innovation.
One avenue for BRICS to lead is through leveraging blockchain technology. Blockchain can play a pivotal role in advancing climate goals by enabling efficient calculation, tracking, and reporting of carbon footprints across supply chains. Smart contracts on blockchain platforms can facilitate real-time emissions monitoring and transparent reporting, enhancing accountability and compliance with climate targets. However, international cooperation on technology-sharing agreements—a key aspect of global climate action—could face challenges under the Trump administration, which has historically resisted such collaborations. This further underscores the importance of BRICS fostering internal technology transfers to drive renewable energy adoption and sustainability solutions.
In addition to technological innovation, BRICS could promote renewable energy projects tailored to the unique needs of developing nations. Internal collaboration among BRICS members in areas such as solar power, wind energy, and green hydrogen could serve as a model for other emerging economies. By focusing on locally adapted, cost-effective solutions, BRICS can position itself as a leader in advancing climate resilience without reliance on Western support.
The re-election of Donald Trump may signal a retreat from multilateral climate initiatives by the US, but it also opens a window for BRICS to advocate for a more balanced and inclusive approach to global climate governance. Through equitable financing, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, BRICS has the potential to reshape the global climate landscape and ensure that the voices of developing nations are heard.
Recommendations and Conclusion
To enhance its role in global climate governance, BRICS should prioritise research and innovation. A network dedicated to climate research could be expanded to incorporate partnerships with academic institutions and private enterprises. By focusing on advanced climate modeling, AI-based environmental monitoring, and innovative renewable technologies, the bloc can craft solutions tailored to its unique socio-economic and environmental contexts.
Financial tools should play a central role in BRICS’ strategy. Strengthening the NDB through the introduction of green bonds and carbon trading schemes can mobilise resources effectively. Additionally, establishing a global climate fund exclusively for emerging economies would address the pressing needs of the Global South, providing financial resources to tackle critical environmental challenges. By focusing on internal resource mobilisation and self-sufficiency, BRICS can mitigate the impact of diminished financial support. Simultaneously, this shift presents an opportunity for BRICS to fill the leadership void in global climate governance, positioning itself as a champion for equity and sustainability.
South-South cooperation remains a cornerstone of BRICS’ climate diplomacy. Collaborating with regional organisations such as the African Union and ASEAN will enhance the exchange of best practices and improve climate resilience across regions. Formal programs could be developed to share strategies and foster capacity-building among BRICS members and other developing nations. BRICS should adopt a more assertive global diplomatic stance by taking a leading role in UNFCCC negotiations. By advocating for equitable climate policies, BRICS can highlight the importance of addressing the needs of developing nations. Partnerships with climate-progressive regions, such as the European Union, would further strengthen BRICS’ position, enabling it to counterbalance the potential retreat of US leadership under the re-elected Trump administration.
Technology and innovation are crucial for self-sufficiency. Investing in blockchain and smart contract technologies can improve transparency and efficiency in tracking carbon footprints across supply chains. Additionally, promoting internal technology transfers among member states will reduce reliance on external funding and ensure equitable access to green technologies. Renewable energy development should remain a priority for BRICS. Strengthening initiatives such as the BRICS Renewable Energy Fund (ERCP) will support large-scale renewable projects across member states. Building regional energy grids can also enhance the efficiency of renewable energy distribution, reducing costs and fostering energy independence.
Engaging both the public and private sectors is vital for actionable climate initiatives. Annual sustainability forums can serve as a platform to bring together policymakers, scientists, and private investors to devise and implement effective strategies. Providing incentives like tax breaks and subsidies will encourage private sector participation in climate resilience and green technology development.
Lastly, BRICS should aim to strengthen multilateral agreements. Co-leading new international climate accords focusing on disaster risk reduction, green finance, and sustainable urbanisation will broaden its influence. These agreements will also underscore BRICS’ commitment to a balanced approach that integrates socio-economic development with environmental objectives.
By implementing these recommendations, BRICS can solidify its leadership in global climate governance while championing the interests of the Global South. The bloc’s balanced approach to development and sustainability sets a powerful example for other emerging economies to follow. As a group, BRICS is well placed to represent the global south and push for an equitable and sustainable development model of climate action. BRICS exemplifies how developing countries can collaboratively pursue climate goals and build a cooperative, self-sustaining model for climate justice and resilience.
