Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Leaders at the BRICS Summit have a responsibility to reinforce multilateralism and deliver an urgent signal they are prepared to act on the global challenges of climate change and nature protection.

Less than two weeks after the Bonn Climate Change Conference was marred by a lack of urgency and as G7 leaders tiptoed around the need for climate action, BRICS leaders have an obligation to move ahead with urgent climate action on the road to COP30 in Brazil – including accelerating the COP28 decision to transition away from fossil fuels to align their climate action plans with the 1.5°C goal. 

Anna Carcamo, Climate Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brazil said: “All eyes are on Brazil this year as the BRICS and COP30 host. This is a seismic opportunity to drive bold, collaborative Global South leadership. BRICS nations, several of which are among the most climate vulnerable, must seize this moment and take a decisive stand for people and the planet.

“The BRICs can lead climate action with strong 2035 climate action plans and Brazil has a responsibility to steer them to higher ambition, ensuring an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels and pushing forward to end deforestation through a transformative forest outcome at COP30 in the Amazon.”

Yao Zhe, Global Policy Adviser, Greenpeace East Asia said: “The BRICS agenda has always placed global development at its core. However, amid major economic and geopolitical challenges, ecological degradation is threatening the foundations of future prosperity and undermining development potential.

“It is crucial therefore that the BRICS evolves into a positive force for strengthening global environmental and climate governance by offering joint leadership and innovative solutions. As a founding member of BRICS, China plays a particularly important role in this endeavour.”

Koaile Monaheng, Pan African Political Strategist, Greenpeace Africa said: “In a year as the G20 host, South Africa also needs to live up to its global responsibilities and a good place to start is ratifying the global oceans treaty and pushing other BRICS members to do the same. But responsible leadership also starts at home and South Africa must push ahead with an ambitious 2035 climate action plan to set the scene for climate finance talks at COP30.”

Rayhan Dudayev, Forest Solution Political Lead, Greenpeace Southeast Asia said: “The world is watching for Global South leadership that strengthens multilateralism, centres climate justice and puts community-based solutions at the heart of climate action and finance. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities protect over one-third of the world’s forests, but receive only 1 % of global climate finance. The Brazilian-led Tropical Forests Forever Facility is an opportunity to strengthen forest protection and halt deforestation if it ensures robust monitoring and full participation of frontline communities.”

Abigail Aguilar, Global Plastics Campaign Manager, Greenpeace USA said: “A strong Global Plastics Treaty that cuts plastic production and provides a pathway for sustainable development in the Global South could provide a defining signal that BRICS nations are listening to the most affected in the developing countries and are ready to step up where others have faltered.

“With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations on the horizon in Geneva, BRICS nations must commit to an ambitious agreement that will cut plastic production, secure finance and technology needed for a just transition and protect our people, climate and the planet.”

Mariana Andrade, Ocean Campaigner, Greenpeace Brazil said: “The High Seas Treaty’s ratification is within touching distance and Global South leadership has helped drive forward this crucial agreement. But ahead of the next International Seabed Authority meeting, we are watching whether that leadership extends to defending the ocean from unilateral deep sea mining.

“Reckless exploitation of the deep sea would betray the principles of multilateralism that BRICS countries must champion. This is a moment where they must commit to international law, science-based decision-making and the common heritage of humankind.”

ENDS

Contacts:

Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

Lais Modelli, Media Coordinator, Greenpeace Brasil +55 14 981279058, [email protected]

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]