By Ruchika Arora

Abstract

This article will discuss the potential of the global south to fulfil sustainable targets through global governance and systematic planning. The first step that follows in transitioning towards sustainable development is to build a robust energy mix with technology that can produce net zero carbon. The supply and demand of resources can be balanced with harmonious cooperation among nations from the global south to mitigate consequences of climate change.

Introduction 

BRICS is a strategic collaboration to voice the global south’s visions to support cultural, economic, and political growth. Countries such as Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa advocate for multilateralism by engaging in global forums, including those of BRICS countries. One primary domain that needs BRICS’ attention is climate change and using nations’ resources through a sustainable framework. Global governance places pressure on each other to work through initiatives and meet targets. All five countries have the largest number of populations with essential natural resources, which can be translated using sustainable ways to produce clean energy. This article will build on the potential of BRICS countries in the energy transition to postpone the effects of climate change. 

 What is BRICS? 

BRICS is an institution of  Global South nations that argues for joint development, pooling nations’ resources, and promoting sustainable growth. Currently, the countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are part of this union, representing the strength of the entire global south and sharing common political positions. The agendas on international forums relating to sustainable future take global north interests as primary and continue to view global south as “polluting countries”, “developing”, and dependent on global north. The BRICS nations are dissatisfied with international financing policies that prioritise the dollar currency. The hegemonic presence has constantly put negative pressure on the global south. BRICS has been at the forefront of resisting hegemonic, unilateral positions and monopolising power of the global north in international forums. Newer countries, including  Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, have united to join BRICS + and support its agendas. BRICS strengthens the representation of the global south with its visions to advance economic, social, cultural, and sustainable development.

Developed vs Developing Nations.

The global south, seen as a “developing country”, is targeted to be responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. The argument follows that no country labelled as “developed” or “developing” has considered a sustainable mode of development when the threat of global warnings was not at the surface. The dichotomy between developed and developing nations becomes arbitrary when the responsibility to save and protect the planet needs unanimous attention. Whether a nation is developed or developing, it is under constant pressure to re-imagine sustainable living. In the 21st century, all nation-states strive to remain below 2 percent of the global temperature by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, i.e., renewable energy, and achieving net zero emission. BRICS nations have undertaken initiatives to achieve net zero targets in the Paris Agreement, but the collaborative pooling of resources among BRICS countries by engaging in global governance is a dire need to mitigate the immediate effects of climate change.

Looking into the Energy prism  

BRICS nations constitute 40 percent of the World’s population and are also the biggest producers and consumers of energy production. The countries of the Global South have been predominantly dependent on fossil fuels for the generation of power and electricity. Global greenhouse gases (GHS) are on a constant rise in these five countries. Almost 90 per cent of emissions are driven by India and China in the Global South. The weight on nation-states to achieve a sustainable shift in energy patterns is staggeringly high with the increasing population. With the adoption of BRICS, all five nations share responsibility to pool, assemble and transfer resources from finding new technology to sharing renewable energy sources. The collaborative strength makes it easier to realise a common goal towards sustainability. 

BRICS founded the Energy Research Cooperation Platform in the year 2018 to initiate the development of sustainable energy solutions, clean energy technologies, and policies. Think tanks and research bodies encourage debate and dialogue led by foreign ministries to foster commitment. Cooperation among BRICS countries also develops via bilateral trades to balance resources, initiate developmental projects, and exchange clean technologies like solar panels, lithium batteries, and solar stations. The expansion in energy production also enhances the economic positions of the countries. The financial demands are supported by the BRICS Interbank cooperation mechanism, which pools the efforts of financial institutions from all five countries to invest in sustainable infrastructure. 

The energy transition occurs when electricity consumption is generated from low-carbon sources. All five countries contribute to alternative energy sources, i.e., solar energy, hydroelectricity, biomass, nuclear energy, and Wind power. China leads in energy production and expansion, followed by India. The mass production of solar panels reduces the cost of production and, in turn, favours the government’s promotion of solar energy with easy instalment at subsidized rates. Solar energy is leading China to reduce its carbon footprint in its transportation sector. Although the country has faced constant shortages in its energy matrix, it has implemented programs to promote afforestation and waste management programs. Alongside this, China’s target has been to develop technologies and become a dominant supplier of solar panels and charging batteries.

 India also has exceptional solar and hydroelectric energy sources and aims to become efficient in their usage of renewable energy, especially in the agricultural sector. It aims to bolster the production of solar energy panels by considering desirable designs, i.e., flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective. In doing so, it tries to manage the shortage of electricity, especially in rural areas where outages are expected. The solar panels can provide relief to communities living in rural settlements during the daytime to mitigate challenges of acute power supply. India requires a strategic implementation to balance the distribution of the energy market to serve the growing population in the country.

Additionally, there are a total of 93 nuclear reactors in BRICS nations, but the distribution is highly skewed. In addition, there are 24 and 8 nuclear reactors in construction in China and India, respectively. The danger of nuclear residue disposal looms large, but a judicial mix/ backup option is essential to reach the mission of net zero. Alternatively, to large nuclear plants, newer technology emphasises small-modular reactors, i.e., small and efficient mechanisms to supply energy with quick installation sources in different locations like industries. Although, these are present in meagre numbers only in Russia and China. 

Russia is the second largest exporter of natural gas and supplies it to China through the power of Serbia. The trade agreements have fostered their bilateral relationship through energy ties. However, the Russia-Ukraine war has cost Russia significant debts, halting gas and oil exports. The pattern hinders its climate mitigating plans amidst the new crisis of national recession. 

Brazil has a robust energy mix of hydro, solar, wind, and bioenergy, meeting many of the country’s energy needs. Although, Brazil is highly dependent on exporting energy sources, including China and South Africa. However, the lack of infrastructure has limited the utilisation of energy sources with proper implementation systems in its nation. Similarly, South Africa is bridging technological and infrastructural gaps to utilise single or multiple energy sources. 

The energy matrix is spread across all five nations in varying quantities. BRICS provides an axis to integrate energy sources and technology to balance resource deficiency among nations; e.g., China and Russia can support technological supplies while India, South Africa and Brazil can provide resources like hydrogen, natural gases, and oils to benefit from each other’s sustainable growth mutually. Moreover, scientific research and innovation also strengthen existing technologies and unlock the potential for carbon-less, efficient, and reliable newer technologies. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, BRICS share the common challenge of envisioning a sustainable world. Each nation contributes to the larger goal in its way. The task for energy transition requires a plank for cooperation from all BRICS nations to render energy transition to achieve net zero. Sustainable targets can be achieved with common goals, consensus, and a multilateral approach to utilizing resources harmoniously. BRICS enabling global governance benefits not only from pooling resources but also puts pressure on countries to innovate sustainably. 

About the Author:

Ruchika Arora is a first year student of M.A. Gender studies in B.R. Ambedkar University. 

Image Source:https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/lifestyle/another-brick-in-the-brics-wall/cid/1961946