Together Alone: BASIC countries and the climate change conundrum

Since 2009, Brazil, South Africa, India and China – known as the BASIC group of countries – have cooperated in international climate negotiations, reflecting their aspiration to have a larger say in global politics. But there are some who claim that the approach of the bloc has obstructed progress in the talks.

Yet this is a superficial view: for real insight into the BASIC group’s approach, it is necessary to grasp the development concerns of each country and the geopolitical value they see in cooperation. As four separate states, it is domestic policy priorities that condition how far they can work together, and what they can contribute to climate discussions.

This report commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers from the Stockholm Environment Institute arrives at a more nuanced understanding of the BASIC cooperation. Such an understanding is crucial if international climate negotiations are to succeed.