BASIC Group
Context:
At the Opening Plenary of the UNFCCC CoP30 in Belém, Brazil, India delivered statements on behalf of the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) group.
Basics of BASIC
The BASIC group is a coalition comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, and China
The group was formed through an agreement in 2009.
It emerged just before the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen.
It was formed primarily as a coalition of newly industrialized countries to unite on addressing climate change
Objectives of “BASIC”:
The group's primary focus is on environmental issues.
BASIC countries collectively insist that industrialized nations undertake legally binding emission reductions and commit more funding for mitigation and adaptation in poorer countries.
The four nations jointly announced a common negotiating strategy, issuing non-negotiable terms such as:
A second commitment period for developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol
Increased funding for mitigation and adaptation in developing nations
It reiterates the central importance of equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC).
Distinction between BRICS and BASIC:
The key distinction lies in their objectives
BASIC is a specialized niche group focused specifically on environmental diplomacy and climate policy advocacy.
BASIC challenges the North-South hierarchy in climate governance, reinforcing calls for a multipolar world order.
BRICS operates as a broader, multipurpose geopolitical and economic bloc of emerging economies.
It aims to enhance economic cooperation, promote sustainable development, and challenge the dominance of Western-led global institutions
The membership is different.
BRICS includes Russia, which is not a member of the BASIC group.