9th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting Focuses on Enhancing Environmental Cooperation

Under the theme of “Advancing Environmental Cooperation amongst BRICS towards the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the 9th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting was held yesterday via video conferencing.

Presided over by South Africa, the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration among the BRICS nations and promote sustainable development. Prior to the ministerial meeting, senior officials met on June 27th to finalize the outcome documents for adoption.

India was represented by Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who emphasized the importance of the Implementation Plan of the BRICS Environment Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2018. Yadav highlighted how the plan could serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, information, ideas, and best practices among the BRICS countries.

During his address, Yadav called for urgent concrete climate actions and the intensification of efforts to save the planet. He elaborated on the measures India has taken to protect the environment, combat climate change, address pollution, and tackle biodiversity loss. The minister also highlighted several major initiatives undertaken by India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

One such initiative mentioned by Yadav was Mission LiFE, which focuses on adopting lifestyle changes to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution at all levels, including the individual level.

The Union Minister stressed the significance of finance and technology partnerships as essential pillars for the BRICS nations to enhance their efforts in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring environmental justice, climate justice, and a fair, just, and inclusive transition.

The BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting provides a platform for these nations to exchange ideas and best practices in environmental conservation and sustainable development. It allows them to collaborate and strengthen their collective efforts to address global environmental challenges effectively.

With the shared goal of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the BRICS nations are committed to advancing environmental cooperation and working towards a greener and more sustainable future.