DOI: 10.58867/DDEH8278
This article aims to carry out a detailed analysis of the rise and role of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the global stage, highlighting not only their economic and political dimensions,[1] but, above all, focusing on the imperative of tackling the growing environmental crises, notably climate change and global warming.[2] Each member of the BRICS, both the original ones and the more recently integrated nations such as Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran, is thoroughly examined, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and the complexity of their influences in the economic, political and environmental spheres.
South Africa is emerging as a significant economic and political player, playing a crucial role in international trade and contributing to regional stability.[3] Brazil, one of the largest emerging economies, is influential in international negotiations, especially on environmental and sustainable development issues.[4] As a rising economic power, China leads in manufacturing, trade, and technology, expanding its global political impact.[5] With its fast-growing economy, India stands out as a technological and services hub, playing a strategic role in global issues.[6]
Despite economic challenges, Russia maintains its global political prominence, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council.[7] The inclusion of nations such as Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran further expands the diversity of BRICS countries perspectives and agendas, highlighting the relevance of this conglomerate not only in the political and economic spheres,[8] but also in the environmental context.[9]
Faced with the inevitable challenge posed by climate change to global stability and the very survival of humanity, the BRICS are urged to take on an expanded responsibility that goes beyond their immediate national interests. The article supports the thesis that these nations, given their significant influence, must play a proactive and committed role in leading collective efforts to tackle climate change and mitigate the harmful effects of global warming. This collaborative and viable approach is essential to contribute to a more balanced and sustainable future globally.
The Original BRICS Members are Suffering the Impacts...
The discussion around climate change and environmental preservation becomes even more complex when we consider the different contexts and challenges the BRICS countries face. The original members and those more recently integrated into this bloc of nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran, have unique realities regarding climate change impacts.
Climate change has significant consequences in different regions, requiring immediate and adaptive actions to mitigate its effects. In South Africa, water security in rural areas is markedly affected by extreme weather events, exacerbating concerns about water reserves. This condition is exacerbated by the low water collection capacity in the region, the low use of technologies, and the marked poverty of the population.[10] The tragic episode of deadly rains in 2022, clearly related to climate change, underscores the urgency of effective responses to protect both the environment and rural communities and points to the ineffectiveness of the South African government in dealing with extreme weather events.[11]
In Brazil, record heat indexes in 2023 are increasing concerns about the impacts of climate change, which will strongly affect the large cities of the southeast region and, in particular, the poor populations of the peripheries, which tend to suffer the most from an increase in global warming.[12] These impacts are particularly felt in the Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem of great biodiversity and vulnerability.[13] Rising temperatures in Brazil highlight the importance of assertive measures for environmental conservation and preservation.
In China, the link between climate change and food security is accentuated by rising temperatures and threats to food production. The country will need urgent and precise measures to face this threat and be able to feed its population.[14]As the world's most populous country, China plays a crucial role in global dynamics, making a holistic approach imperative to ensure resilience and food security in the face of growing climate challenges. Within this context, sustainable water management policies, such as preserving water sources, are gaining prominence, considering the need to preserve vital resources for agriculture.[15]
On the Indian subcontinent, climate change presents considerable challenges for the agricultural sector, which is vital for livelihoods and the economy. Indian farmers will have to watch how their crops react to global warming and rely on new technologies.[16] The intensification of the monsoon is already a reality and adds complexity to the search for food security, requiring robust adaptive strategies and mitigation measures.[17],[18]
In Russia, accelerated warming and impacts on permafrost present a unique narrative. In addition to the challenges of soil stability, subsidence, and landslides, the release of stored greenhouse gases such as methane contributes to a climate feedback loop, which could exacerbate warming not only in Russia, but across the planet.[19] The vastness of Russian territory requires urgent strategies to deal with the complex consequences of climate change, as it seems that warming is accelerating in this country and, obviously, with its consequences.[20]
The New Members Also Feel the Consequences...
The challenges posed by climate change in the new BRICS members, such as Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran, are specific and worrying issues.
In Saudi Arabia, the combination of desert nature and climate change has exacerbated the irregular rainfall and rising temperatures, intensifying water scarcity. This country has an essential example of a finite resource in water, which is becoming even more limited with global warming and all the resulting risks.[21] Along the same line, the potential expansion of deserts, aggravated by overgrazing, puts native vegetation and wildlife at risk, while the risk of biodiversity collapse in the Afro-Arab region is an imminent threat if effective environmental preservation actions are not taken.[22]
Argentina is experiencing a direct effect of climate change on the incidence of diseases that are now non-existent or infrequent in the country. Mosquitoes that transmit arboviruses, such as dengue, are expanding, is occurring in a country that did not suffer from such ailments due to the temperatures of yesteryear.[23] In addition to the public health issue, Argentine agriculture, especially winemaking, faces growing challenges due to climate change, adding an additional layer of complexity in the face of economic problems in 2023.[24]
Egypt has only a small portion of arable land, most of which is desert, but this small strip is highly productive but has proved vulnerable to climate change.[25] Research indicates adverse impacts on food production and food safety, as well as effects on the population's health, such as the significant increase in the incidence of parasitic diseases in the country.[26]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to its significant dependence on imports and desert nature, faces significant food security challenges while being a major oil producer, which is exacerbating the climate issue.[27] The worsening of aridity, with the substantial increase in temperature in recent decades, poses a direct threat to food sources and the health of the population.[28]
In Ethiopia, heat waves and increased droughts are substantial challenges for water security and local agriculture, these phenomena strongly impacting the country's socio-economic conditions.[29] Flooding and agricultural losses highlight the complexity of the impacts of climate change, highlighting the vulnerability of small farmers in a country that is very vulnerable to this phenomenon and faces problems feeding its population.[30]
Under climate change's impacts, Iran faces significant challenges in water management, with water scarcity, reduced groundwater tables, loss of water quality and ecosystems.[31] The waves of extreme droughts predicted for the coming decades, aggravated by global warming, are putting pressure on the country's water resources, requiring an urgent response to ensure sustainability and long-term water security.[32] These scenarios reinforce the need for urgent local action and robust international cooperation to tackle climate challenges and preserve the global environment.
The BRICS Reacts Individually to the Climate Threat...
The BRICS countries have shown an increasing commitment to fighting climate change separately, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and the need to mitigate environmental impacts. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an ongoing challenge, especially in the economic and political fields, and it must be tackled collectively.[33] Each nation adopts specific approaches to tackling climate challenges, with concrete measures reflecting this commitment.
In South Africa, developing a research program in earth system sciences is a significant step towards understanding climate change scenarios specific to the region. In addition, the development of national guidelines in the National Response to Climate Change White Paper reflects the country's commitment to translating research into tangible policies, despite challenges in practical implementation. Research into the impacts of climate change on water availability, agriculture, and biodiversity, which are key sectors, is being consolidated in South Africa, and research into this impact on cities needs to be expanded, generating a reaction based on mitigating these consequences.[34]
Brazil is focusing its efforts on the water-energy-food triad, recognizing the critical interconnection between these elements. The development of analyses on the transformation towards sustainability in the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, which are the areas most available for the expansion of agriculture, is necessary for Brazil and the world. Also, research carried out in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, a more developed and industrialized region that suffers from an increase in climatic extremes, shows a practical and comprehensive approach to assessing environmental and socio-economic impacts, by sizing up the effects of these events on the region's cities.[35]
China, for its part, has been active in formulating and implementing national policies for mitigation and adaptation since the 2014 Climate Summit. The country seeks a delicate balance between economic growth and emissions reduction, as evidenced by the critical analysis of climate action plans, highlighting the need for comprehensive data and market transformation. The Chinese government has been concerned about and invested in the unpredictability of climate extremes, considering the population's economic and health costs.[36]
India adopts a varied adaptive approach when faced with adverse impacts on the agricultural sector. The analysis of farmers' perception of and adaptation to global warming highlights the complexity of decisions, emphasizing the influence of socio-economic factors. These measures aim to improve the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of climate change. The Indian government will have to overcome local difficulties, such as farmers' lack of access to information, low incomes, as well as the size of farms.[37]
Russia is focusing its efforts on the carbon sequestration potential of its vast forests. The proposal to integrate remote measurements and strengthen institutional support highlights the importance of ensuring quality data, while at the same time highlighting the significant economic benefits of increasing carbon absorption capacity. Based on this data, it has been considered how it is possible to increase the carbon absorption capacity of the Russian ecosystem. Given the country's immense potential in this area, Russia and the world can benefit positively from this policy of mitigating carbon emissions into the atmosphere.[38]
Saudi Arabia, the main producer of fossil fuels, is taking a proactive approach to promoting renewable energy to diversify its energy matrix. Engaging in research and international cooperation illustrates the country's awareness of the environmental and economic challenges of transitioning to more sustainable sources. This country has engaged, and perhaps could do more, in these sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, and generate energy security in an economy marked by fossil fuels.[39]
Argentina has aligned its strategies with the goal of a post-fossil economy, promoting strategies such as the green economy and the bioeconomy. However, the country faces debates about the compatibility of these strategies with climate objectives, highlighting complex challenges in resource governance during this transition. Buenos Aires has two examples of dynamics in this direction, lithium mining and soy agribusiness, showing that economic development and environmental concern are possible, as long as techno-managerial strategies are used.[40]
Egypt has adopted a proactive approach to mitigating methane emissions from rice cultivation, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices, such as not burning waste, to tackle climate change. Among the techniques developed to mitigate the cultivation of this essential agricultural product, the most effective is the choice of short-duration rice varieties that can withstand the new environmental conditions and raising farmers' awareness of the new climate reality.[41]
The United Arab Emirates faces significant water-related challenges and is seeking technological solutions to reshape the use of this asset. Exploring the capacity to recover water highlights the need to address water challenges regardless of predicted climate change, such as desalination as a potential mitigation of the problem. The country has been investing in a constant technological quest to improve actions relating to water security, taking into account complex technical procedures and the social and historical trajectories of the region.[42]
Ethiopia, dependent on agriculture, adopts indigenous and improved strategies to face climate challenges. Reducing barriers, such as lack of technologies, agricultural insurance, and training and financing, is recognized as crucial to effectively promoting climate adaptation, highlighting the importance of tailor-made approaches. Addis Adaba has been improving practices in subsistence farming and the use of indigenous techniques, as well as the rational use of chemical inputs, in order to reduce the impact of climate change.[43]
Iran, especially in mountainous regions, is facing challenges in the agricultural sector due to climate change. The exploration of socio-environmental factors in the adaptation of farmers, with emphasis on incentives and awareness, highlights the complexity of the adaptation process. In this process, farmers are urged to assess the risks, whether or not to adapt to the new climatic conditions, in order to help them make decisions based on more accurate information in different geographical areas and crops.[44]
These specific measures reveal the diversity of strategies adopted by the BRICS countries to tackle climate change, reflecting an individual commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future. However, collective, concrete and adaptive actions are key to achieving global mitigation goals and promoting resilience in the face of emerging climate challenges.
Joint Confrontation...
The quest for global climate justice falls considerably on the shoulders of the BRICS countries, possibly more than on the more developed nations that have better resources to mitigate its effects, such as the members of the G7, many of the latter being among the biggest polluters per capita.[45] Although not the biggest polluters, regions such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa face the prospect of being disproportionately impacted by climate change.[46] In addition to environmental challenges, these countries are also susceptible to significant migration caused by extreme weather events and global warming, which can result in large-scale displacement in search of essential resources, such as water, or to escape urban areas that may become uninhabitable.[47]
The environmental responsibility of the BRICS must be assessed individually, with Brazil standing out as the holder of the world's largest rainforest,[48] Russia, with its vast tracts of forest, China, currently the biggest polluter, but also the country that is transforming its energy matrix most rapidly,[49] and India, with the largest global population.[50]However, it is important to consider the positive or negative impact that each of these countries can have on humanity's environmental future, it is possible to envision the significant potential of this group acting cohesively to tackle climate change and preserve the environment.[51]
Conclusions
The relevance of the BRICS transcends the political and economic dimensions and urgently calls for decisive attention to tackling climate change. Each member, whether a founder or a new member, is affected by the impacts of these transformations, with an emphasis on global warming. Each nation's experience in implementing mitigating actions and sometimes timid initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions points to the need for a joint approach. There is an urgent need to design and implement unified strategies that not only bear witness to the concern, but also demonstrate the bloc's capacity to confront the climate problem, which is the most imminent threat to humanity. The BRICS' commitment to practical cooperation in the environmental field reinforces their position of global influence and signals a significant commitment to planetary sustainability.
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