India, China Among Top Coal Consumers: Why BRICS Declaration Refuses To Abandon Fossil Fuels

The BRICS bloc on Saturday has acknowledged that fossil fuels will continue to have an important place in the global energy mix, particularly for developing economies, while also backing climate action and a transition towards cleaner energy.

The position was set out in the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit amid disruptions to global supply chains and energy security linked to the West Asia conflict. The declaration also opposed the European Union’s carbon border tax.

Fossil fuels and energy security

The declaration reaffirmed BRICS’ commitment to tackling climate change and called on all countries to honour their existing commitments under the Paris climate agreement. This includes provisions covering climate mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, as well

as the principle of equity.

At the same time, the declaration stressed the importance of nationally determined just transitions. This refers to shifting towards cleaner fuels for electricity generation and energy use while taking into account the circumstances and requirements of individual countries. It also called on developed countries to provide additional, adequate, predictable and accessible financial resources and technology transfer to developing countries for climate adaptation.

The declaration described energy security as an important foundation for social and economic development. “We acknowledge fossil fuels will play an important role in the world’s energy mix, particularly for emerging markets and developing economies,” it said.

It also called for “just, orderly, equitable and inclusive energy transitions” and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate goals.

The declaration referred to Sustainable Development Goal 7, which concerns sustainable energy, as well as technological neutrality and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. It said national circumstances, needs and priorities should also be taken into account.

China, India among leading coal users

China, India, Indonesia and Russia, all BRICS members, are among the leading coal consumers globally. The four countries have rapidly expanded renewable energy, but coal remains one of the main sources for electricity production and energy use.

China, India, Indonesia and Russia are also among the world’s five largest coal consumers, with the United States being the only non-BRICS country in the top five. Against this backdrop, the declaration also recognised the importance of critical minerals for developing zero- and low-emission energy technologies, strengthening energy security and building resilience in supply chains.

BRICS opposes EU carbon tax

The declaration also took a clear position against the European Union’s carbon border tax, an import levy imposed on carbon-intensive goods.

BRICS said it opposed “unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures that are not in line with international law”. It added that such measures could undermine efforts by countries, particularly developing nations, to deal with the effects of climate change and improve their capacity and resilience to adapt.

The position puts the bloc’s emphasis on development and energy security alongside its stated commitment to climate action.

Focus on growing disaster risks

The BRICS declaration also addressed the increasing complexity of disaster risks, particularly those linked to climate change and affecting the Global South. This came against the backdrop of the flash flood in Nepal last month.

The grouping welcomed guidelines for Disaster Management Early Warning Data Integration, highlighting the importance of such systems in addressing growing disaster risks.

The declaration therefore combines support for climate action and cleaner energy transitions with recognition that fossil fuels continue to have a major role in the energy systems of emerging and developing economies.