The BRICS grouping has solidified its position as a prominent and diverse international organisation in the past two decades. This powerful alliance has significantly impacted the global stage and is now recognised as one of the most influential non-Western blocs in today’s multipolar world. According to major financial institutions, with the recent addition of nine new members, BRICS Plus now represents over 40% of the world’s population and nearly 37.3% of global GDP (PPP).[1]
Despite their considerable influence and potential, BRICS members face several pressing challenges that demand immediate attention. Sustainable development, social inequality, and climate change are critical issues. These complex problems can no longer be overlooked and must be prioritised on the BRICS agenda. Before exploring potential solutions, it is essential to understand the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assess the progress of BRICS members in achieving these goals, examine the concept of climate justice, and identify effective strategies to address these challenges.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, following extensive multilateral consultations, the United Nations adopted a comprehensive framework of seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030.[2] Building on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), these interconnected goals address various issues, including social inequality, education, poverty, clean water, economic growth, and climate action.
Source: United Nations
The ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These unprecedented global crises have significantly hindered the progress of BRICS nations, particularly given their large populations, developing economies, and, in the case of Russia, direct involvement in the conflict.
For instance, COVID-19-induced lockdowns led to widespread school closures, impacting millions of students’ quality of education (SDG 4). Additionally, economic disruptions caused by the pandemic negatively affected industrialisation, innovation, and infrastructure development (SDG 9). As nations strive to revive their economies, there is a risk of increased reliance on fossil fuels, potentially undermining climate action efforts (SDG 13). Furthermore, the pandemic-related economic downturn limited the availability of green financing, further complicating efforts to transition to sustainable practices.
Internal Contradictions within the SDG Framework
A closer examination of the SDG framework reveals inherent contradictions that can hinder effective implementation. The all-encompassing nature of the SDGs often necessitates trade-offs between different goals. For example, industrialisation (SDG 8) may conflict with clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), sustainable cities (SDG 11), and climate action (SDG 13). Similarly, balancing environmental goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, with social and economic objectives, like improving education and reducing poverty, can be challenging, especially for developing countries.[3]
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) 2019 report on oceans and the cryosphere highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to address climate change. It warns of rising sea levels—potentially 1.4 feet by 2100, even under low-emission scenarios. The report calls for stronger global and regional cooperation to protect the cryosphere. However, the financial implications of implementing necessary measures pose significant challenges, particularly for developing nations. Securing adequate funding from developed countries and attracting private sector investment will be crucial to achieving the SDGs and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Interdependencies between SDGs
While the SDG framework may contain inherent contradictions, it is essential to recognise the deep interconnections between these goals. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being has emerged as a pivotal focus for global efforts, including those of the BRICS nations. Robust public health programs not only protect individual well-being but also contribute significantly to broader sustainable development. India, for instance, exemplifies this interconnectedness by playing a crucial role in global vaccination efforts. As a leading producer of vaccines, India supplies a substantial portion of the world’s vaccine needs, particularly benefiting developing countries.[4]
It is important to note that health is not an isolated issue. It is intricately linked to various other SDGs, such as SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and SDG 1: No Poverty. Addressing public health challenges requires a holistic approach that considers these interdependencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which struck as the world was making significant strides towards achieving the 2030 SDG targets, has further underscored the interconnectedness of these goals. Beyond its direct impact on health, the pandemic has disrupted education systems, hindered industrial and infrastructural development, exacerbated inequality, and weakened institutions. This complex web of interconnected challenges necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated response. By addressing the SDGs holistically, nations can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Refer to the figure below:
Source: Stockholm Resilience Centre[5]
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on SDG Achievement
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further underscored the interconnectedness of the SDGs. The war has significantly impacted SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The imposition of sanctions on Russia has led to increased reliance on fossil fuel exports, exacerbating climate change and hindering progress towards SDG 13: Climate Action. By mid-2024, more than 41% of Russian federal budget revenues came from the export of oil and gas.[6] Moreover, the conflict has disrupted global supply chains, particularly for wheat and grain, contributing to food shortages and poverty in many parts of the world, especially in Africa. This has had a direct impact on SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
The recent strained relations between some BRICS countries and the West could lead to further polarisation, which may hinder international cooperation and impede progress towards the SDGs. Achieving the SDGs requires a stable geopolitical environment; any significant conflict or global crisis can derail these efforts. As nations prioritise economic growth and address domestic challenges, the pursuit of sustainable development may be compromised. Geopolitical stability, a commitment to multilateralism and diplomacy, and a shared vision of a sustainable future are necessary to achieve the UN SDGs.
BRICS Members Standing on Meeting SDGs
Each BRICS member takes a different approach to achieving climate-related goals. The Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) published a study on the vision and mission statements of the top 25 companies in the BRICS countries (five from each country), revealing differing levels of alignment with the UN SDGs. The study concludes that China appears more closely aligned with the UN’s sustainable development agenda, as reflected in the corporate statements analysed. This suggests a stronger emphasis on environmental and social responsibility among Chinese companies. In contrast, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa recognise the importance of sustainability but may prioritise economic growth and social development in the short term. This divergence in approaches can be attributed to factors such as economic disparities, resource endowments, and national priorities.
To effectively address climate change and achieve the SDGs, BRICS nations must find common ground while respecting their unique circumstances. Collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer can help bridge these gaps and promote sustainable development across the bloc.
Source: Overall country-wise adoption of UN SDGs by BRICS.[7]
Competing Priorities and Social Inequalities
There are tangible reasons for failing to meet all of the United Nations Social Development Goals. All BRICS members (except Russia) are developing countries trying to escape poverty. Also, there is a big gap between the economic standings of China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. The social inequalities in each of these countries are massive.
For example, China’s nominal per capita GDP is $12,600 US compared to India’s meagre of $ 2,700 US and Ethiopia’s at $ 1,350 US. If you compare with UAE (the new BRICS Plus member), the gap is manifold as its per capita GDP is around $ 50,000 US.
Beyond doubt, all members are at different stages of social, political and economic development, and it is not fair to treat them equally when it comes to meeting UN sustainable development goals. The geography and demography vary hugely. The differences are significant between BRICS members and within each country. Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai are much more advanced than the cities in the provinces of Gansu and Heilongjiang.
Delhi and Goa are economically advanced in India compared to states like Bihar and Jharkhand. However, the capital state does not compare with the hinterlands, where indigenous communities live. Basic infrastructure, consisting of concrete roads connecting each village, still needs to be improved in many parts of India, though the country has constructed 60% more highways since 2014 than between 1947 and 2014.[8]
These economically backward members must develop their infrastructure to lift people out of poverty, and to do this, they need to consume enough energy. Energy sources are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels (crude oil, coal, gas, etc.), which are cheaper to afford and easier to produce. Renewables are growing but will only partially replace fossil fuels for at least two to three decades.
BRICS countries face a dilemma: should they halt infrastructure development to connect villages, towns, and cities? Because the material used to build these roads and highways leads to CO2 emissions and air pollution. You must melt steel to build highways, bridges, factories, and industrial infrastructure. To melt steel, you will end up using coal, gas, etc. China and India are the biggest producers and consumers of this product in BRICS, and at least 10% of CO2 emissions come from the steel industry.
China and India are experiencing significant industrial growth, striving for sustained economic progress to lift millions out of poverty. India is aiming to become a developed nation by 2047. The Chinese government is aiming to be fully developed and prosperous by 2049.[9]And why not? After all, this should be the goal of any nation. Western Europe, the USA, and other developed nations did this decades ago, and now it’s the social responsibility of developing countries and their leaders to do the same. That’s why climate justice is fundamental in all UN forums when discussing sustainable development goals, where decisions are made and goals are set for the entire world. We can’t ignore historical injustices around environmental damage as they bring the correct perspective and lead us towards a more sustainable world with shared responsibility.
Climate Justice can’t be Ignored
Historically, from 1850 until 2015, a few wealthy and highly industrialised countries (including Russia) caused more than 92% of CO2 emissions, as per a research paper in the Lancet.[10] However, underdeveloped countries, mostly Global South ones, are paying the price. The yearly floods and droughts which we see in many Global South countries are the result of centuries of exploitation of natural resources led by former colonial and imperialist powers for their industrial growth. Still, significant oil, gas, and natural mineral exploration corporations are from the Global North, and they get most of their supplies by exploring Global South countries. Global North countries are dumping tonnes of electronic and plastic waste[11] into Global South countries, which leads to soil degradation, water contamination, and many diseases. This waste colonialism must be challenged. [12]
This massive environmental exploitation has led to increasing temperatures, melting ice, increasing floods, changing agriculture patterns, conflicts, wars and loss of livelihoods. Each year, climate refugees are growing in millions and entering poverty. There could be 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050.[13]
Climate-related damages are badly affecting the economic growth of developing nations. Whatever progress they made in years or decades is lost within weeks or months, slowing down their work on climate mitigation programmes.
Even when climate finance is provided through world bodies, it is provided as loans, not aid. In its 2020 report, Oxfam estimated that in 2017, 40% of public climate finance was issued as market interest loans.[14] BRICS members must challenge this practice.
Considering the complexities around geopolitics and the socio-economic world, the blame game won’t solve the climate-related issues. There is only one planet, and we all live here. Today, floods and forest fires are not only happening in the Global South but this year, Europe and the USA saw many natural calamities leading to climate refugees and billions of dollars of damages.[15] If the rich nations are severely affected by climate change, then better BRICS members, mainly developing countries, must prepare for the coming future, which looks very challenging.
Progress on Climate Mitigation
The BRICS countries have much to tackle regarding meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Even though challenges remain, some positive developments around sustainable development goals exist.[16]
Brazil, for example, has set ambitious goals, like cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It also plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and end illegal deforestation by 2028. Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva promised in Egypt at the COP27 meeting to achieve zero deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. Amazon forests are essential for the world as they are considered the ‘lungs of the planet’ and act as a carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.[17]
Russia aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. About 45% of its energy comes from low-emission sources, such as nuclear power. The country also invests in hydrogen production, which could significantly influence future energy systems.
India has been making steady progress. It has reduced its emissions intensity by 24% since 2005, showing that economic growth doesn’t have to mean more pollution. India’s future goals include getting half of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and cutting carbon intensity by 45%. By 2070, it plans to achieve net-zero emissions. Forest cover is also expanding, and the country now has South Asia’s largest network of Ramsar-protected wetlands. India is the only G20 nation on track to meet the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.[18]
China aims to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. It’s already working on a national carbon market and is helping other developing countries switch to greener ways of doing things. Chinese electric car vehicles have already captured 76% of the world market, which helps in the green transition. Today, China has the world’s largest renewable and hydroelectric capacity and is the second largest in nuclear power after the US.[19]
A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in January also noted that China commissioned as much solar PV capacity in 2023 as the world did in 2022 and installed 66% more new wind turbines than the year before.[20]
South Africa has established a Presidential Climate Commission and created a plan for adapting to climate challenges. The country also has systems for monitoring emissions and is developing a long-term strategy for lowering them.
The journey isn’t easy, but these examples show progress. The BRICS countries are moving forward, bit by bit, to tackle climate change and build a more sustainable future.
Future Steps Towards Climate Change Mitigation
The joint communique released in 2024 by BRICS Members clearly stated the importance of climate and environment.[21] BRICS nations aim to alleviate poverty, climate action, mitigation, adaptation, and financing to achieve sustainable development goals. To achieve this, they should focus on some of these aspects:
Knowledge Sharing
BRICS members should share technological expertise to mitigate climate change on the following:
- China’s early warning systems for natural disasters can be adapted for use in South Africa and India’s drought-prone regions.
- China can lead BRICS members with its vast knowledge of renewable energies through solar and wind.
- India’s water management projects, such as rainwater harvesting in rural areas, can serve as a blueprint for water-scarce regions in Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa.
- Brazil can share its advanced biofuel technology, particularly ethanol production, with countries like South Africa to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Russia’s investment in hydrogen production infrastructure can be scaled across BRICS nations through joint R&D initiatives. India and China, with growing energy needs, could collaborate on hydrogen production and distribution technologies.
- BRICS members have a vast culture of indigenous communities living closer to nature, and they can learn from them.
Agriculture
China has made significant progress in the agriculture sector in the past four decades and must share its expertise with the rest. For example, China, with less cultivable land, produces double the food grains, at 415 million tons per year, compared with India’s 208 million tons per year. In agriculture, Indian yields per acre are well below the international norms. With less fertile land, China produces double the number of food grains that India produces.[22] A country like India, where more than 40% of the population depends on agriculture, must learn from Chinese agriculture practices.
Brazil and South Africa, facing agricultural vulnerabilities due to climate change, can partner with India to develop climate-resilient crop varieties through shared research.
AI Solutions
The power of AI can’t be overlooked. It can help us mitigate climate change and predict climate disasters faster. In Brazil, a company called Sipremo uses AI to predict where and when climate disasters will occur. This helps the government, social organisations, and citizens be prepared much in advance.
AI can help industries decarbonise by optimising manufacturing schedules, designing lighter and stronger materials, and forecasting process conditions.[23] We can also use AI technology in reforestation projects where AI-powered computers with drones define the targets and number of seeds to be dropped. This is already happening in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This technology can also be used in faster deforestation mapping through satellite images and in tracking causes of pollution and the melting of icebergs. China is the most advanced nation in AI, and it could help other BRICS members by sharing knowledge.
Financing
Achieving sustainability goals requires a proper financing mechanism. Fortunately, the BRICS have the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). Economically, this bloc is growing, and with BRICS Plus, it has become much stronger than the G7.
Source: Reuters, the World Bank [24]
Considering the strong economies of BRICS, NDB and CRA should guide and finance BRICS members on some of these projects:
- Solar parks and wind farms to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- Conservation programs to protect vital ecosystems like the Amazon and Siberian permafrost.
- Researching renewable energy sources and transitioning to green energy.
- Financing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) housing schemes and green loans for electric vehicles.
- Financing urban and rural planning projects considering ESG norms.
- Giving aid to affected BRICS members in times of crisis and floods.
Urban Planning
China has pioneered smart city initiatives, focusing on renewable-powered grids, energy-efficient buildings, and electric public transport systems. These models can be replicated in India and South Africa to create greener cities.
Collaboration on innovative city projects with China to develop South Africa’s urban centres can help reduce emissions and improve quality of life. The Delhi government is running close to 2000 environment-friendly electric buses used by millions of commuters daily. They can help South Africa and Ethiopian cities implement these.[25]
Diplomacy at Global Forums
Through platforms like the United Nations, UN Conference of the Parties (COP), WTO, SCO, and G20, BRICS nations can advocate for equitable climate finance and technology transfer from developed countries. Their leadership can help bridge the gap between developed and developing nations in tackling global environmental challenges. BRICS members must ensure that Global North countries meet the promises made in the past at UN COP summits. For example, in 2009, at the COP15 summit in Copenhagen, climate finance funding of $100 billion a year by 2020 was agreed, but it was delivered quite late and after enough diplomatic battles.[26]
Conclusion
We live in a complex world, and considering recent geopolitical setbacks and extreme peer competition, the coming years will be difficult. BRICS members will face challenges while implementing the UN SDGs, but these are achievable through governmental reforms, critical thinking, public financing, and international diplomacy. These objectives require collective action from political and business classes, including constructive participation by NGOs, think tanks, private investors, and citizens. While each country faces distinct hurdles, their shared experiences and resources provide a foundation for meaningful collaboration.
The growing economic and geopolitical influence of BRICS members can also be leveraged at international forums to bring reforms, which should lead to a win-win situation. BRICS has come a long way since its inception, and today, it is much stronger than ever, and dozens of nations are eager to join. World citizens are noticing each move, and their expectations are high. They are the hope for over 40% of the world’s population and have the means to achieve sustainable development goals and mitigate climate crisis, provided they help each other. BRICS has become a hope for the entire Global South, and they can lead the world towards a greener planet.
There is a Sanskrit phrase, “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” (The world is a family). BRICS members and the rest of the world must practice this while marching towards sustainable development goals and a greener and better planet.
Autor Brief Bio:Chittranjan Dubey is an author and environmentalist raising awareness about the ecological crises in India and Europe. His work has been covered by media houses like BBC, The Telegraph, Reuters, Ouest-France, RFI, London Review of Books, TRT World, Bangkok Post, The Straits Times, Times of India, Hindustan Times, etc. He has given many talks on climate change in India and Europe. He has given many meditation workshops in African and European countries. By education and profession, he works as an IT consultant with multinational corporations and has worked on many continents. He lives in Berlin but was born in Buxar (Bihar). His areas of interest are spirituality, climate and geopolitics.
References:
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