Environment ministers of Brazil, South Africa, India, and China (BASIC) have issued a joint statement, “confirm[ing] their commitments to multilateralism and international cooperation towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development, in the context of eradication of poverty and sustainable development.”
Highlighting the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance as the main expected outcome of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the ministers “express deep concerns around attempts by developed countries to dilute their climate finance legal obligations under international law through suggestions of broadening the contributor base.” They signal “their expectation that the quantum of the NCQG should shift from billions to trillions of USD per year” in grant-based, public-funded support by developed countries.
The ministers indicate their expectation that building on COP 28, a successful COP 29 will “pave the way” for an ambitious COP 30, hosted by Brazil in 2025. To strengthen BASIC leadership, the ministers agree to implement their new vision of cooperation among BASIC from COP 28 to COP 30 and beyond by:
- Enhancing BASIC coordination on the international climate change agenda, with a focus on the multilateral climate regime under the UNFCCC;
- Leveraging scientific and academic dialogue; and
- Expanding joint action and cooperation on sustainable development, in particular through the expansion of the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in support of sustainable development in the Global South.
Welcoming the Brazilian presidency of BRICS+ in 2025, the ministers highlight the NDB’s contribution to scaling up and accelerating climate action in developing countries.
Reaffirming their commitment to submitting their next generation of NDCs under the Paris Agreement on climate change “in a nationally-determined manner,” the ministers “recognize that equitable mitigation action must be guided by historical responsibilities, climate justice, just transitions, and the need to conserve, preserve and restore ecosystem[s].”
The ministers call on developed countries to recognize the failure to, and urge them to step up their efforts and, fulfill their commitments on mitigation and climate finance. They call for global solidarity in ensuring that no country, place, or individual is left behind and reaffirm their commitment to the unity of the Group of 77 and China (G77/China).
The ministers further:
- Welcome the UAE Consensus on Just Transition Pathways’ vision of all-of-economy and all-of-society just transitions to achieve sustainable development;
- Emphasize that energy transitions should be carried out in a just, orderly, and equitable manner;
- Urge developed countries to increase “multifold” their collective provision of adaptation finance;
- Condemn all forms of unilateralism and protectionism; and
- Noting that developing countries provide most of the critical minerals and rare earths, commit to working together to ensure sustainable, responsible, and just value chains.
The joint statement also showcases each country’s climate commitments, efforts, and achievements.
The 2024 BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change was held in Wuhan, China, on 21 July. The ministers welcomed India’s proposals to host UNFCCC COP 33 in 2028 and the BASIC ministerial meeting in 2025. [BASIC Ministerial Joint Statement on Climate Change]
