BRICS Backs Continued Fossil Fuel Use, Rejects EU Carbon Border Levy

The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit has affirmed that fossil fuels will continue to hold an important place in the global energy mix, especially for emerging markets and developing economies, even as it reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to tackling climate change.

The declaration, adopted amid supply-chain and energy-security disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, framed energy security as a foundation for social and economic development, national security and the welfare of all nations. It called for just, orderly, equitable and inclusive energy transitions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate goals, while observing Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the principles of technological neutrality and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, taking into account national circumstances, needs and priorities.

BRICS members China, India, Indonesia and Russia rank among the world's five largest coal consumers, with the United States the only non-BRICS country in that group. While these countries have expanded renewable energy rapidly, coal remains a leading source for electricity production and energy use.

The declaration urged all countries to uphold their existing commitments under the Paris climate agreement, including provisions on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and equity. It pressed developed countries to provide additional, adequate, predictable and accessible financial resources, along with technology transfer, to help developing countries adapt to climate impacts.

On trade and climate policy, the declaration opposed unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures that are not in line with international law. Such measures, it said, undermine efforts by countries, particularly developing ones, to address the adverse effects of climate change and to strengthen adaptive capacity and resilience. The position is a direct response to the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism, which imposes an import levy on carbon-intensive goods.

The declaration also recognised the role of critical minerals in developing zero- and low-emission energy technologies, in energy security and in building resilient supply chains.

Against the backdrop of last month's Nepal flash floods, it acknowledged the growing complexity of disaster risks, including those linked to climate change, with particular concern for the Global South. It welcomed guidelines for Disaster Management Early Warning Data Integration.

The declaration took note of India's initiative in creating the International Big Cat Alliance and encouraged BRICS countries to cooperate on big cat conservation. India proposed the alliance in 2023, and its headquarters is now in New Delhi. It seeks collaboration on conserving seven wild cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, puma and jaguar.

On biodiversity, the declaration welcomed the establishment of the Kunming biodiversity fund and China's contribution to it, recognising the fund's role in supporting developing countries. It also stressed effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, whose targets include reducing threats to biodiversity, meeting people's needs through sustainable use and benefit-sharing, and providing tools and solutions to mainstream biodiversity protection.