The whole world is talking about transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables, with the BRICS group of nations focusing on ramping up the Just Energy transition.
The bloc of emerging markets have collaborated to establish an energy framework, to facilitate the sharing of information, skills and technology transfers. This is being funded by the BRICS bank and NDB.
Russia, India, China, and South Africa account for 42% of global greenhouse emissions, with China alone responsible for almost a third of all caborn emissions, Brazil is the only BRICS country with 70 % of renewables in its energy mix, and accounts for only 1% of carbon emissions within the bloc.
And while the UN mandate is for countries to reach net zero emissions in less than 30 years, skeptics believe that transitioning to renewables will have serious
ramifications for growing economies
In 2022, BRICS countries accounted for 31% of global GDP, a significant increase, and surpassing the GDP of G7 countries at 29 %
This is despite BRICS nations still battling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,
And efforts to transition to renewables are well underway.
South Africa’s BRICS Ambassador at Large Anil Sooklal has told BGTN that the global South is relying on the North for funding and technology.
“We are dependent on the level of support we get from our partners in the global north that have advanced technology and necessary funds to assist us.
At COP 26 in Scotland, Germany, the US, the European Union, France, and the UK pledged $8.5 billion to South Africa to assist with the first phase of the just energy transition.
Watch: this interview discussion between BGTN Correspondent Inga Mzileni and BRICS South Africa Sherpa Dr Anil Sooklal
ALSO WATCH: South Africa’s Ambitious Just Energy Transition: Here’s what you need to know
