Despite being caught in the dilemma of poverty alleviation through economic development and environmental protection, the BRICS countries have still adopted efficient measures for a greener planet.
BASIC countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China - which were formed in November 2009 before the Copenhagen climate summit, are four members of BRICS and also a vital negotiation mechanism to deepen talks on climate change cooperation. The four committed to act jointly at the Copenhagen climate summit, including insistence on the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, as well as a possible united resistance if their common minimum position was not met by the developed nations. These four countries actively foster the negotiation progress of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and act as key forces to serve developing countries' fundamental interests, put forward South-South cooperation and explore North-South cooperation.
Besides, BASIC countries have a vital role in making the Paris conference a success. In June 2015, the EU-China joint statement on climate change was signed, clearly stipulating that efficient protocols would be reached during the conference and Intended Nationally Determined Contributions would also be improved. In September 2015, the US-China Joint Presidential Statement on Climate Change pledged that relative domestic policies would be implemented, which also injected strong momentum for the Paris conference to record historical achievements. What the bloc has been dedicated to on climate change issues are widely acknowledged and respected by the international community.
As the first echelon of emerging economies, BRICS countries' exploration for a low carbon development pattern may offer valuable experience for other countries to learn from. As for the INDC, this is a term used under the UNFCC for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that all countries that signed the convention were asked to publish in the lead up to the Paris conference. The INDC of the largest greenhouse gas emitters included China, which targeted a 60 to 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 2030 compared with the amount of 2005. China's strong commitment shows the determination to shoulder its own international liability and not only raises stricter requirements for innovating the domestic development pattern, it also sets a great example for other countries who pursue the path of low carbon development.
The most important international cooperation beyond the protocol is South-South cooperation. For example, Brazil has offered solid help for developing a Clean Development Mechanism and preservation of the Amazon. South Africa actively fosters cooperation among the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the New Asian - African Strategic Partnership. China offered large amounts of assistance in kind and equipment for developing countries and also provided great support for deepening international negotiations on climate change, policy planning and personnel training.
The author is a professor at the School of Environment, Tsinghua University
