New Delhi: BRICS countries have reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral action to tackle climate change, strengthen implementation of the Paris Agreement and provide greater financial, technological and capacity-building support to developing nations.
In a joint declaration adopted at the XVIII BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the grouping also opposed “unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist” measures, including carbon border adjustment mechanisms, saying such policies could undermine developing countries’ efforts to tackle climate change and build resilience.
Meeting in New Delhi from September 12 to 13 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” BRICS leaders stressed that multilateralism remains essential to addressing climate change and other challenges threatening the planet and future generations.
The declaration reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to the objectives and principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement. BRICS called on all countries to honour their existing commitments under the two instruments and scale up efforts to combat climate change.
The grouping emphasised the need for the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, including action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and the provision of means of implementation to developing countries. It reiterated that climate action should reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), taking into account different national circumstances.
Climate finance and debt sustainability
A major focus of the declaration was the financial constraints faced by developing countries. BRICS noted that high debt burdens are increasingly limiting the ability of many developing nations to invest in climate action and sustainable development.
The leaders called for coordinated international action to improve debt sustainability, expand fiscal space and strengthen sustainable development and climate financing. They also encouraged greater BRICS cooperation on these issues through the bloc’s Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
BRICS also reiterated the importance of developed countries providing developing nations with adequate, predictable, accessible and additional financial resources, along with capacity building and technology development and transfer, particularly for adaptation.
The declaration expressed opposition to what BRICS described as unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures that are inconsistent with international law, specifically pointing to carbon border adjustment mechanisms.
The grouping said such measures could undermine the efforts of developing countries to address the adverse impacts of climate change, build adaptive capacity and strengthen resilience.
Carbon markets and climate cooperation
BRICS highlighted the potential of the BRICS Climate Research Platform and the BRICS Laboratory for Trade, Climate Change and Sustainable Development to promote climate action and strengthen resilience across member countries.
Recalling the 2025 Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the countries supported greater cooperation in the field of carbon markets, particularly through capacity building and exchange of experiences.
The declaration also welcomed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the BRICS Carbon Markets Partnership, describing it as a cooperative mechanism that could support members in implementing their climate strategies, complement mitigation efforts and help mobilise resources for climate action.
BRICS further welcomed knowledge-sharing initiatives including the High-level Dialogue on People-Centric Community-based Adaptation Approaches and the dialogue on aligning carbon markets with adaptation goals.
The leaders placed significant emphasis on people-centric and community-based approaches to climate adaptation, recognising them as important pathways towards stronger climate resilience and sustainable development.
The declaration recognised the value of traditional knowledge systems, indigenous and local community practices, local innovations and community experiences in strengthening adaptive capacity and addressing climate challenges.
BRICS encouraged members to exchange knowledge and best practices, including approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with scientific knowledge and technological innovation. It also welcomed the BRICS Principles for Advancing Climate Resilience through People-Centric and Community-based Adaptation based on Traditional Knowledge.
The declaration underscored the importance of nationally determined just transitions and maintaining a balance between mitigation and adaptation.
BRICS leaders also placed biodiversity conservation high on the agenda, stressing the importance of conserving and sustainably using biodiversity and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
The grouping called for effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, its protocols and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The declaration welcomed the establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund and recognised China’s contribution to the fund and its role in supporting developing countries in biodiversity conservation.
BRICS also took note of initiatives aimed at implementing the KMGBF and called on developed countries to provide adequate, effective, predictable, timely and accessible financial resources to developing nations, along with capacity building and technology transfer.
India’s International Big Cats Alliance welcomed
The BRICS countries also took note of India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance, while recognising the vulnerability of big-cat species.
The grouping encouraged BRICS countries to cooperate in the conservation of big cats and acknowledged the efforts of member countries to protect rare species.
The declaration highlighted the critical role of boreal and tropical forests in conserving biodiversity, protecting water basins and soils, regulating hydrological cycles and combating desertification, land degradation and drought.
Forests were also recognised as vital carbon sinks and important sources of timber and non-timber forest products that support economic sectors and livelihoods, including those of indigenous peoples and local communities.
BRICS encouraged the sharing of best practices on sustainable forest management and restoration and welcomed the adoption of the BRICS Principles for Integrated Landscape-Based Greening and Land Restoration.
It also welcomed the Common Understanding for Wildfire Preparedness & Response across BRICS countries, reflecting growing concern over the environmental and socio-economic impacts of increasingly severe wildfire events.
The declaration welcomed the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility at the Belém Climate Summit, describing it as an innovative mechanism intended to mobilise long-term, results-based financing for tropical forest conservation.
BRICS encouraged potential investor countries to make ambitious contributions to ensure the facility is adequately capitalised and can become operational in a timely manner.
The grouping also took note of the “United for Our Forests” initiative and acknowledged large-scale national greening programmes aimed at conserving, sustainably managing and restoring tropical ecosystems.
It further noted the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, co-led by the UAE and Indonesia, as a platform for international cooperation. BRICS identified water availability, desertification, drought, land degradation, sand and dust storms and wildfires as critical environmental challenges with serious consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods and socio-economic development, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The countries committed to integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, water resources, forests, peatlands, mangroves, farmlands, grasslands and deserts as part of a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration.
The declaration also highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10.
BRICS said the conference would provide an opportunity to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, which seeks universal availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
Waste management and circular economy
Growing waste generation also figured prominently in the declaration. BRICS noted the increasing scale and complexity of waste driven by urbanisation, industrialisation and changing consumption patterns.
The countries stressed the need to strengthen integrated waste-management frameworks and highlighted policy instruments including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-design and sustainable public procurement.
They also called for stronger monitoring systems and increased investment in recycling and recovery infrastructure, according to national priorities and capabilities.
The objective, the declaration said, should be to improve material circularity and resource efficiency, strengthening the transition towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
BRICS also welcomed the initiative to establish a Network of BRICS Institutions to Advance Knowledge Sharing, Research and Innovation in Sustainable Lifestyles.
The grouping further welcomed the possibility of organising a BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week in 2026, signalling an effort to promote sustainable consumption and lifestyle choices alongside government-led environmental policies.
Overall, the declaration presents climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, water stress, forest conservation and waste management as interconnected challenges requiring coordinated international action.
BRICS emphasised that developing countries require greater access to finance, technology, capacity building and policy space to pursue climate-resilient and sustainable development.
The bloc’s commitments seek to deepen cooperation not only on emissions reduction but also on adaptation, loss and damage, carbon markets, biodiversity, forests, water, waste, sustainable lifestyles and community-based resilience.
The declaration also underlined the importance of ensuring that climate and environmental action remains consistent with principles of equity and differentiated responsibilities, while strengthening cooperation among BRICS members to build resilience and advance sustainable development.
