India Urges BRICS to Mobilize $1.3 Trillion for Climate Finance

Current Context: India urged BRICS nations to unite on the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ during the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, held on April 3, 2025, in Brasília, Brazil.

• BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Recently, six additional countries joined the group: Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, expanding its membership to 11 nations.
• The meeting was chaired by Marina Silva, Brazil's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Highlights:

• Aim: Address issues like climate change, desertification, plastic pollution, and ecosystem preservation.
• Joint Declaration Adopted: The ministers issued a unified statement committing to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and promote sustainable development across BRICS nations.
• Climate Finance Push: India led the call for the "Baku to Belem Roadmap," aiming to mobilize $1.3 trillion to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, emphasizing equitable carbon budget use.
• Energy Transition Focus: Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva stressed the urgent need to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, advocating for a fair transition that supports developing economies.
• Sustainable Urban Initiatives: The meeting highlighted practical steps like waste management, circular economy practices, and the Clean Rivers Programme to enhance urban sustainability.
• Bilateral Cooperation: Notable side discussions, such as between Brazil’s Marina Silva and Iran’s Shina Ansari, showcased deepened collaboration within the group.
• Preparation for COP30: Hosted under Brazil’s 2025 BRICS presidency, the meeting set the stage for Brazil’s leadership at the upcoming COP30 climate conference later in the year.

Question:

Q.1 Where was the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held on April 3, 2025?
a) New Delhi, India
b) Baku, Azerbaijan
c) Brasília, Brazil
d) Johannesburg, South Africa

Answer: c) The 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting was held in Brasília, Brazil, and chaired by Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva.