BRICS Civil Forum 2020: Panel session “The COVID-19 Crisis as a Challenge and a Unique Opportunity for Humanity to Save Climate”

Vladimir Chuprov, Co-Chair of the “Environment, Climate and Energy” BRICS Civil Forum Working Group, Project Director and Energy Programme Manager, Greenpeace, commented on the results of the session:

• Vladimir, can you give us a brief summary of the event? Did your expectations come true? Did you manage to discuss everything you wanted to?

With the experience of organizing the Civil G8 in 2006, and the Civil G20 in 2013, I can say that this year we had an extremely dynamic group and discussion. We had about 15 participants. I was pleased with the constructive approach and quick coordination of the issues. What we got in the end was a four-page document, which, I think, fully reflected the civil society’s aspirations for the period when we emerge from the coronavirus crisis and face a new climate crisis. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participants of the Working Group on climate and environment.

• What are the panel’s main takeaways?

Of course, it’s overcoming the pandemic through transition to green technologies. This includes new jobs and reduced vulnerability to future lockdowns. I mean, primarily, decentralized energy based on renewable energy sources. By the way, this is also important for protecting women's rights. This part was widely covered. Also, protecting and restoring forests on the planet. Of course, we could not stay away from discussing wildfires in the Amazon region and Siberia. Circular economy, too.

• What development vectors can be identified based on today's discussion?

Civil society has an almost 100-percent consensus on what the planet's economy and energy should look like. Notably, the Chinese Leader actually confirmed our position when he spoke before the UN General Assembly. We hope that other BRICS  Leaders will follow the example of the leading countries.

Origin:https://bit.ly/33EmWwY