The balance of power in global climate negotiations is shifting. With the United States stepping back from the Paris Agreement, attention has turned to China and other emerging economies. The BRICS group—recently expanded beyond its original five members—seek to position itself as a leading voice for the Global South, making climate change a top priority. Last year’s BRICS summit elevated the issue, and this year the group issued its first joint recommendations on climate finance. Brazil’s presidency of the UN Climate Change Conference in November 2025 will further amplify BRICS’ climate role, as new commitments from its members, especially China, could play a significant role in achieving Paris Agreement goals.
The event focuses on the role of the BRICS group in global climate governance and provides a specific overview of China’s latest climate policy developments. To what extent have these countries found common ground in combating climate change? How will the BRICS group’s priorities and expansion affect the balance of power in the UN climate negotiations? And how does China view the group, especially now that the United States has stepped out of the climate diplomacy spotlight?
Programme:
Keynotes:
Mihaela Papa, Director of Research and a Principal Research Scientist, Center for International Studies (CIS)
Lauri Myllyvirta, Lead Analyst, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
Chair:
Karoliina Pietarila, Postdoctoral Fellow, FIIA
