Rio de Janeiro (Enmaeya News) — Leaders of the BRICS group of developing nations have issued a strong call for wealthy nations to fulfill their climate finance pledges, urging them to take the lead in funding the global green transition. The message came at the close of the BRICS Summit in Brazil on Sunday, just months ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host in Belém.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that emerging economies should not bear the cost of a transition largely driven by historic emissions from developed countries. “It is not fair for developing nations to pay the bill for a crisis they did not create,” he said.
The summit’s final declaration reaffirmed that developed countries must deliver on their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement, including the long-standing pledge of $100 billion annually for climate action in the Global South.
While acknowledging that fossil fuels will continue to play a role in their energy systems, BRICS countries emphasized that any climate transition must be “just, inclusive, and supportive of development.”
Tropical Forests Fund Gains Support
BRICS also backed Brazil’s proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a global climate fund to protect rainforests. Officials from China and the UAE have expressed interest in contributing to the initiative, which aims to supplement existing international mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund.
Concerns Over Trade Measures
The group warned against what it described as “discriminatory” climate-related trade measures, including carbon border taxes and anti-deforestation laws that could harm developing economies. BRICS leaders called for fair treatment in global trade and climate governance.
A Push for Global Reform
In parallel with climate discussions, the summit renewed calls to reform global institutions such as the United Nations and International Monetary Fund, highlighting the need for better representation of the Global South.
Though Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend, the summit projected a message of unity among BRICS members and signaled their growing ambition to act as a counterweight to Western-dominated forums.
Why this matters?
With COP30 fast approaching, BRICS is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the global climate agenda. Its demand for fair climate financing reflects a broader push for justice, equity, and reform in global governance.
