Environment ministers from BRICS member countries are set to meet in New Delhi on August 18 under India’s BRICS presidency. The high-level meeting will focus on key environmental challenges, including sustainable lifestyles, circular economy, forest fire management and climate change adaptation. A joint statement outlining areas of cooperation could also emerge following the discussions. Ahead of the ministerial meeting, senior officials from the Environment Working Group and the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development will meet on August 17.
A major focus will be on strengthening the circular economy by improving resource efficiency, reducing waste and encouraging reuse and recycling. BRICS members are expected to exchange experiences on Extended Producer Responsibility, effective waste management and policies that promote more efficient use of resources. Forest fire management will also feature prominently, with discussions expected around better data collection, monitoring, early detection, capacity building and rapid response systems.
Countries may explore stronger cooperation to reduce the environmental, wildlife and community impacts of increasingly severe wildfires. The meeting will also examine ways to promote sustainable lifestyles and climate resilience, including community-led adaptation strategies that combine traditional knowledge with modern solutions. Greater technological cooperation and sharing of best practices among BRICS nations are expected to be key themes as the group seeks a coordinated response to growing global environmental and climate challenges.
