Just Transition and Climate Ambition: How Committed Are the BRICS Countries?

This panel is organized by: Socio-Environmental Platform / BRICS Policy Center

By February 2025, the Parties to the Paris Agreement are expected to present more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and, urgently, more concrete commitments to a just (energy and economic) transition. In this context, the Socio-Environmental Platform highlights the significance of BRICS in energy transitions and climate action, as detailed in our new study: Climate Ambition of BRICS Countries, Second Edition.

These countries represent a substantial portion of the global population, emerging economies, and biodiversity, while also accounting for a major share of greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel production — especially with the expanded BRICS+ and the introduction of new partner states during the last BRICS summit. Cooperation among these nations is essential for advancing a new energy paradigm for the global economy, offering opportunities for partnerships, knowledge and technology exchange, and innovative climate policies.

Next year, Brazil will hold the presidency for both the XVII BRICS Summit and COP 30 UNFCCC. This presents an opportunity for greater integration between climate discussions and just transition efforts among BRICS countries.

With this in mind, the panel “Just Transition and Climate Ambition: How Committed Are the BRICS Countries?” will launch the English version of Climate Ambition of BRICS Countries, Second Edition, an executive summary developed by the Socio-Environmental Platform of the BRICS Policy Center. The event will also feature a roundtable discussion with experts from BRICS nations, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for climate cooperation and just transition among these countries. The roundtable will be guided by three key questions:

• I. How have the climate ambition targets of BRICS countries evolved over time, and what are the main challenges and opportunities for these nations in fulfilling their commitments under the Paris Agreement?
• II. With the expansion of BRICS to include five new countries (and now eleven additional partner states), what is the potential impact of this enlargement on their climate ambitions and the global agenda to combat climate change?
• III. How are BRICS countries contributing to climate justice and a just energy transition, and what key efforts and partnerships are underway to ensure that these nations play a significant role in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement?