6th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held

The 6^th meeting of the BRICS Environment Ministers took place via video conferencing under the Presidency of Russia. All the BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa joined the meeting.

Highlights

The Union Environment Minister, Prakash Javadekar, represented India in the meeting along with the Ministers of the other BRICS nations. The Minister has stated that India attaches great importance to the BRICS grouping. The aspirations of the BRICS nations are similar and therefore the best practices of the countries should be shared among the nations in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Equity, Common but Differentiated Responsibilities

It was noted that India believes that Equity, Common but Differentiated responsibilities, finance and technology partnerships are key pillars of attaining global goals of climate change reduction and adaptation. The Union Minister has also highlighted that India is already working tirelessly towards meeting its target under the Paris Agreement.

Achievements by India

India launched the Air Quality Monitoring Index in 10 cities in the year 2015 with an aim to reduce air pollution. The same is now operational in 122 cities across the nation. India launched the National Clean Air Program also in 2019, the objective of which is to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% relative to 2017 levels by the year 2024.

BRICS Environmentally Sound Technology Platform (BEST)

In the meeting, all the countries welcomed the establishment of the BEST platform and observed that this is of fundamental importance that the existing areas of development are focused properly with clear expectations in terms of results that are required. This platform, set up virtually, will serve as an invaluable mechanism to facilitate the exchange of information views and sharing of the best practices on BRICS countries including the Post COVID 19 environment or sustainable development programmes.

BRICS Presidency in 2021

India is scheduled to take over the BRICS Presidency in the year 2021 and in this meeting itself, the Union Environment Minister has extended an invitation to all the other member countries to attend this meeting next year.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020