United Nations Agenda Research Articles

Exploring the job resources experienced by employees with hearing impairment in South Africa

Orientation: The United Nations Agenda of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 8, and specifically target 8.5, highlights the employment of people with disabilities (PWD). The current study sheds light on job characteristics that employees with hearing impairments (EwHIs) experience as job resources.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the aspects that EwHIs might regard as job resources within the South African context.Motivation for the study: The paucity of research in South Africa on disability matters in the workplace, and EwHIs in particular, served as motivation for this study.Research approach/design and method: This study used an exploratory, qualitative research approach and the social constructivism paradigm to explore the job resources of EwHIs in South Africa. In addition, a descriptive phenomenological design was used to deeply understand the participants’ lived experiences. Participants (N = 14) were identified with a purposive sampling technique and data were collected with open-ended, deaf-friendly questionnaires. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.Main findings: Firstly, EwHIs learn from subordinates and work associates. Secondly, constructive social affiliation, learning and challenges seem to motivate EwHIs. Lastly, task accomplishment is facilitated by adequate communication, orientation and assistance.Practical/managerial implications: The findings of the current study have implications for policy, practice and decision-making. Broadly stated, the learning, motivation and task completion of EwHIs are functions of social integration and effective communication in the workplace.Contribution/value-add: This study is the first of its kind in South Africa and provides insight into job characteristics that EwHIs regard as job resources.

Rural energy poverty alleviation in OECD nations: An integrated analysis of renewable energy, green taxation, and the United Nations agenda 2030

Energy poverty in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries is a complex issue that needs careful and targeted solutions. Tens of millions of households in OECD countries struggle to pay for enough electricity and heating to meet their basic needs. Thus, it is essential to make a detailed assessment of rural energy poverty with an integrated approach. In so doing, we first measure rural energy poverty composite index across 38 OECD countries and their 5 major partners from 2000 to 2021. We then explored the linear effect of renewable energy technologies on energy poverty alleviation. Moreover, the mediating effect of green taxes on rural energy poverty through renewable energy technologies was analysed. Finally, the fuzzy regression discontinuity (FRD) method is employed to address the endogeneity issue associated with the assignment of the 2030 United Nations (UN) Agenda and to identify treatment effects. The results show that rural energy poverty improves over time. However, significant spatiotemporal disparities in alleviation efforts are found across countries. The results of Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) approach reveal that renewable energy technologies can accelerate rural energy poverty mitigation in the sample countries. We find that green taxation is an important mediating channel through which the adoption of renewable energy technologies alleviates rural energy poverty. The results of the Fuzzy-RD show that the 2030 UN agenda was effective in increasing the likelihood of rural energy poverty mitigation. The results remain consistent after a battery of robustness tests. This study offers valuable insights that can aid policymakers in formulating robust public policies.

Research on Education for Sustainable Development with Design-Based Research by Employing Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Issue of Single-Use Plastic Waste in Taiwan

The social impacts of prevailing circular economy (CE) strategies remain under-researched despite the considerable attention that CE has received from scholars and in industry. Existing CE indicators primarily focus on business models from a decision-making standpoint, overlooking consumer engagement and alternative solutions. Boasting one of the highest recycling rates globally, Taiwan faces challenges in optimizing collected resources. This study delves into recycling plastic waste by integrating consumer behavior within CE strategies, leveraging open-source resources and additive manufacturing technologies to align with the United Nations Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). These resources facilitate the transformation of plastic waste into reusable materials. Employing an exploratory and participatory action research approach, this research uses the Precious Plastic Universe (PPU) database to identify potential resources from post-consumer polymer waste. Subsequently, it explores tools for converting collected waste into usable polymers. Lastly, the study investigates integrating collected polymer waste into student design projects to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills for sustainable development, employing additive manufacturing tools at the National Taiwan Normal University Department of Design. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several recurring patterns, including the role of consumer behavior in plastic waste generation, the development of creativity and problem-solving skills among students, and the challenges of working with recycled materials. These themes were observed in quantitative data (collected single-use polymers) and qualitative insights from student observations and interviews. Through thematic analysis, the study highlights key factors contributing to successful CE integration, providing a model for future educational and industrial applications of sustainable design.

Prevalence of syphilis among men serving in the militaries of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development includes targets to end sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as a major public health threat. STI prevalence data to inform strategies towards this goal are lacking in middle and low-income countries, especially among men. Data from Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys (SABERS) conducted among militaries in Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi, Republic of the Congo (ROC), and Sierra Leone during 2013-2018 were used to estimate the prevalence of presumed active syphilis among active-duty military men. Associations of active syphilis infection with age, education, marital status, and rank for each country were assessed. The prevalence of active syphilis was less than 1% among men in Cameroon (2018), Ethiopia (2018), Liberia (2018), Malawi (2013), ROC (2014), and Sierra Leone (2013). In Chad (2014), 6.2% (95% CI 5.2%-7.4%; n = 121/1949) of men tested positive for active syphilis. In DRC (2014), the prevalence of active syphilis was 15.5% (95% CI 14.1%-16.9%; n = 404/2611) among men. Active syphilis was associated with older age in DRC (p < 0.01), with less education in Chad (p = 0.03) and DRC (p < 0.01), and with rank in DRC (p = 0.048). These data help address a paucity of information on STI prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrate the need for improved surveillance among men.

The sustainable challenge: Where does social psychology stand in achieving the sustainable development goals?

The United Nations Agenda 2030, inclusive of its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), serves as the global blueprint for sustainability for both present and future generations. Scientific research is entrusted with the responsibility of contributing by informing the current situation and future challenges in achieving the SDGs. This paper investigates the role of social psychology in contributing to the SDGs and the environmental, economic and social pillars of the UN Agenda. We analysed 4808 papers using Natural Language Processing to identify (i) the relevance of social psychology within the SDG-related literature and (ii) the current and potential contribution of social psychology to the SDGs. Results highlight that social psychology contributes to the SDGs by addressing typical social issues, primarily those related to health and gender, while noting its under-representation in some environmental and economic areas, despite social psychology well-established research on these topics. This paper introduces a novel approach for assessing the SDGs, fostering a critical reflection on the SDG framework and social psychology to guide less explored research paths. This approach could potentially enhance the evaluation and advancement of the 2030 Agenda, facilitating a deeper dialogue between the scientific community and policymakers, driving social change.

GIS-based solar radiation modelling for photovoltaic potential in cities: A sensitivity analysis for the evaluation of output variability range

Currently, there is increasing attention to matching the buildings’ energy demand with energy produced by renewable sources. This approach serves to both reduce the environmental footprint, the target of several European policies and initiatives and ensure access to energy for everyone worldwide, aligning with one of the aims of the United Nations Agenda 2030. Urban environments are suitable for the installation of photovoltaic panels, which can be easily integrated within roofs to minimise land use and installation costs. Multiple studies focused on solar radiation as the most critical element affecting the estimation of the photovoltaic potential, in particular by resorting to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Among different tools, which are useful for integrating layers with different spatial resolutions, the r.sun function embedded in GRASS GIS has been selected as the most suitable to capture complex variations resulting from weather and geographical parameters. However, a gap in the literature has emerged as no study is available to define the precision degree of the tool when inputting parameters derived from various data sources based on different model assumptions. The scope of this research is to collect open-access weather inputs and quantify the solar radiation output along with its variability range. Based on 28 test plans, resulting from the combination of input parameters from alternative data sources, this research quantified the output variability range to be ±20 %, thus requiring additional processing to increase the precision. The paper concludes with a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the current research, emphasizing the importance of validating the results with measured values in forthcoming research, to move from precision to accuracy evaluation.

Gender inequality in global water security

Abstract Ensuring universal and equitable access to water and sanitation for all by 2030 (United Nations Agenda 2030, Sustainable Development Goal or SDG 6) is one of the most important goals for the world. 785 million people do not still have access to basic drinking water services. This burden disproportionately affects women, who are often responsible for collecting water from distant sources in regions with limited or no water supply systems. Understanding the spatial patterns of socio-demographic and hydrological factors is key to address the interlinked challenges of gender equality and water security under SDG 5 (‘Achieve gender equality’) and SDG 6. While the challenges women face in securing water are widely recognized, quantitative analysis of gender inequality in global water security has not previously been studied. Here, we present, to our knowledge the first global assessment of gender inequality in water security. We measured water security by examining both water access and water scarcity (hereafter, water stress), incorporating population data for working-age individuals and children. We integrated this hydrological and demographic information at a spatial resolution of approximately 10 km from 2000 to 2014 when the information is available. Our results showed that more working-age women than men experience poor water access, particularly in Africa. In addition, women in countries with high water insecurity, defined as high water stress and poor water access—such as Burkina Faso, Togo, and Somalia—primary conduct water collection. Our results indicate significant gender-based differences in water security, with women frequently remaining in rural areas characterized by poor water access. These inequalities could be further intensified by climate change and socio-economic factors.

BEYOND SDG LOCALISATION: A POLICY ANALYSIS

In the wake of the transition from Millennium Developmental Goals to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations Agenda 2030, India finds a shift in policy focus towards integrating SDGs in policy planning and implementation. This policy analysis explores the effectiveness of this shift in the form of SDG Localisation. SDG Localisation addresses several challenges ranging from behavioural and planning to prioritisation. It incorporates local governance units in a nationally coordinated and locally- relevant policy planning. It attempts to see alternate governance approaches to solve diverse problems in India. This analysis utilises a comparative approach within four alternative models: Bottom-Up Decentralisation Model, Centralised Governance Model, Market-Driven Solution Model, and Sectoral Governance Model. It employs twelve criteria for the comparative analysis. The analysis finds that while the SDG Localisation Model is flexible to regional conditions, it suffers from a Top-Down state of decentralised decision-making in India. The Centralised Governance Model excels in nationally coordinated actions but lacks local responsiveness. Market-Driven Solution Model uses market forces to improve innovation but is unresponsive to equity and inclusiveness. The Sectoral Governance Model boasts a specialised focus on targeted goals but is ineffective in inter-sectoral policies. The policy analysis concludes that the Bottom-Up Decentralisation Model offers the most strategic Plan of Action towards localising SDGs in local policy planning. It recommends amplifying the focus on SDGs by prioritising them and improving educational indicators, improving bottom-up decision-making, and promoting experimentation.

Exploring the Role of Sustainable Development Goals in Enhancing Courage, Proactive Career Behaviors, and Life Satisfaction.

Understanding the current challenges addressed in the goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda can influence career choices, encouraging individuals to pursue careers that contribute positively to addressing them. This study examines the association between the propensity to consider the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to future educational and career paths, courage, proactive career behaviors and life satisfaction, and the mediating role of courage and proactive career behaviors on the association between the propensity to consider the SDGs in relation to future educational and career paths and life satisfaction. The study sample consisted of 314 Italian university students. The serial multiple mediation model was used to examine the direct, indirect, and total effects. The results showed that the propensity to consider SDGs in relation to future educational and career paths, through courage and proactive career behaviors, has a positive impact on life satisfaction. The findings of this study have led to several actionable policy recommendations. These advocate for the integration of activities related to modules on the SDGs into their curricula. In addition, practical implications for career guidance interventions are proposed to consider the role of the SDGs in future career planning.

Sustainable city tourism—A systematic analysis of Budapest and Mumbai

International Tourist arrivals, guest nights and their contribution to GDP are key indicators reflecting a country’s actual perception. A growing percentage of tourists prioritize environmental awareness across tourism products and services each year. Destinations aiming to meet the expectations of eco conscious travellers must center sustainability in their branding strategies. This approach aligns with UNWTO (World Tourism Organization of United Nations) Agenda 2030 of sustainable tourism development. This paper examines various dimensions of sustainability in tourism, focusing on Mumbai and Budapest. Using specific sustainability indicators, it employs sustainability city index to compare international tourism in these cities, which face distinct environmental and infrastructural challenges. By using specific sustainability indicators such as: (1) Carbon Emissions: Measurement of the total greenhouse gases produced by the city. (2) Proportion of Green Public Spaces: Evaluation of the percentage of urban areas dedicated to parks and natural spaces. (3) State of Infrastructure: Assessment of the quality and sustainability of urban infrastructure, including transportation systems. (4) Water Usage: Analysis of the amount of water consumed by the city and its conservation practices. (5) Waste Management: Review of the city’s effectiveness in managing and recycling waste. (6) Air Pollution: Monitoring of the levels of pollutants in the air to assess environmental health. This research provides a comprehensive view of how cities can attract environmentally conscious tourists. The findings offer guidance for policy makers and tourism professionals to align strategies with sustainable development goals. This detailed assessment highlights each city’s commitment to sustainability and delivers actionable insights for improving tourism strategies in accordance with global standards. While valuable for tourism professionals, it is important to note that this research covers only six SCI factors, with incomplete data for studied countries. The practical and social implications indicate areas needing improvement to enhance tourist appeal, beneficial for industry professionals and educational purposes. This comparative analysis aids in promoting sustainable tourism and can guide governments in achieving sustainability goals with raising awareness of environmental quality and conscious living.

Forest Products Trade and Sustainable Development in China and the USA: Do Bioenergy and Economic Policy Uncertainty Matter?

The United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development has induced the empirics to find the factors that can contribute to sustainable development. However, limited empirical evidence has estimated the impact of forest trade, bioenergy, and economic policy uncertainty on sustainable development. This study fills the gap by analyzing the impact of forest trade, bioenergy, and economic policy uncertainty on sustainable development in China and the USA using the ARDL and QARDL approaches. The findings of the ARDL model suggest that forest trade helps boost both short- and long-run sustainable development in China and the USA, while bioenergy fosters sustainable development in the short and long run only in China and in the USA, bioenergy improves sustainable development only in the long run. In contrast, economic policy uncertainty hurts sustainable development in the short and long run in China, while in the USA, only the long-run negative association between the two variables is observed. Thus, policymakers in China and the USA need to focus on enhancing trade in forest products, fostering bioenergy generation, and reducing uncertainties in economic policy to promote sustainable development.

Sustainable agricultural practices: Volcanic rock potential for soil remineralization

Brazil is one of the world's largest importers of agricultural inputs, with 84% of fertilizers used in the country originating from imports. The widespread use of soluble chemical fertilizers leads to various adverse environmental impacts, such as the eutrophication of water bodies. The development and improvement of techniques and agricultural products capable of providing a variety of macro and micronutrients to crops with the least negative environmental impact have been intensified. Soil remineralization through the addition of ground rocks represents a low-negative environmental impact alternative and clean food production, aligning with the second goal of sustainable development proposed by the United nations agenda 2030. This study aimed to determine the viability of outcropping andesitic in the municipality of Jaguarão, in the extreme south of Brazil, for soil remineralization. For this purpose, mineralogical and geochemical characterization, as well as an analysis of availability of nutrients using citric acid as an extracting solution indicated a significant availability of macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, and Mn) and micronutrients (Fe and Cu), essential for the development of various crops., were performed. The free quartz content and the levels of K2O, MgO, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb comply with the parameters established by Normative Instruction No. 5 of 2016 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA), which regulates the commercialization of soil remineralizers. The analysis of availability of nutrients using citric acid as an extracting solution indicated a significant availability of macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, and Mn) and micronutrients (Fe and Cu), essential for the development of various crops.

Youth Work for People and Planet: Integrating Insights from Ecopedagogy into Youth Work

Youth work is not unitary, has a diverse history, and draws upon differing traditions; however, the focus of all major youth work traditions has been anthropocentric. This approach is now challenged by young people themselves through the climate justice movement, and institutionally through the United Nations Agenda 2030 resolution, which has developed integrated Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to “balance” social, environmental, and economic imperatives. This article examines what insights can be gained from ecopedagogy that would enable youth work to fully integrate an ecological perspective alongside traditional anthropological concerns. The discussion focuses on the nexus and tensions between ecopedagogy and youth work from a theoretical perspective to draw out insights into how changes need to be made to the aims and purposes of youth work, how this might be achieved, and barriers in the current environment.

Urban Development in Riyadh: Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 for Enhanced Quality of Life

Saudi Urban Development is on the cards, It has been aligned with Vision 2030, since 2016, it refers to the United Nations agenda crafted to meet the needs not only for the present population, rather it guarantees optimum utilisation of resources and preserving them for future generations. The urban development in Saudi Arabia started with a comprehensive idea for tracking its progress on sustainable urban development. The sustainable urban development should be aligned with the Saudi vision 2030, so that the aim and objectives of the vision 2030 can be achieved and better quality of life in the cities can be provided to the residents. To understand this, there is a dire need to investigate the role of built environment on urban quality of life. Previous researches in this area were scarce, Therefore, there is a need to research the above-mentioned constructs in the context of Saudi vision 2030. The research design is cross sectional and collects the data from the population resides in the city of Riyadh (KSA). Responses (n=705) were collected in order to test the model with built environment as independent and urban quality of life as dependent construct. Being an empirical study, the analysis of measurement and structural model was undertaken. On the basis of the findings, implications for improving Quality of life through urban planning for better built environments were also presented. The research makes a contribution by suggesting methods for reducing noise, creating aesthetically beautiful structures and public areas according to the requirements and preferences of the locals, and lowering socio-spatial disparities while supporting housing and mobility for disadvantaged groups.

Trade-offs between spatial temporal closures and effort reduction measures to ensure fisheries sustainability

Overexploitation has led to large scale declines in many fish stocks around the world with the 2030 United Nations agenda calling for more spatial management tools to achieve sustainability targets. However, without spatially explicit consideration of fisheries dynamics, assessment of management measures combining spatial temporal closures and effort reduction measures remain limited. This is particularly true when balancing population biomass recovery goals and their socioeconomic consequences. Using ISIS-Fish, the first spatially explicit bioeconomic model describing hake (Merluccius merluccius) fisheries in the Gulf of Lion, Mediterranean Sea, we investigated the consequences of individual spatial temporal closures and spatial closure network effects with all-at-one and gradual effort reduction measures. Their effectiveness in restoring the collapsed population and economic objectives were quantified to identify measures best suited for rebuilding population biomass, increasing catch weight, and maintaining revenue levels. While severe effort reduction was more effective in achieving population recovery goals than spatial temporal closures, these scenarios did not lead to an increase in catches until after five years. In contrast, spatial temporal closures failed to reach population recovery goals at any point during the simulation period, but impacted revenues the least. Simulated effort redistribution also led to greater depletion of juvenile hake, a pattern common elsewhere in the world. The present study illustrates how robust spatially explicit models may be used to evaluate the impacts of complex alternative management scenarios and to identify tradeoffs between biomass recovery, fishery viability, and the management equitability (and acceptability) between fishing fleets.

Sustainable rural electrification: small hydropower stations, electrification and rural welfare improvement in Tanzania

PurposeTanzania is rich in small hydropower (SHP) potentials. However, many of these potentials have yet to be fully used, and more than two-thirds of its rural population lacks access to electricity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of SHP stations in improving rural welfare in the southern highlands of Tanzania. It further explores the history, cost-effective analysis and threats to the sustainability of SHP as one of the renewable energy sources.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a qualitative research design to explore respondents’ views on the role of SHP stations in facilitating rural electrification and welfare improvement. Primary data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with the 27 key informants and beneficiaries of SHP stations from the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In addition, the study used documentary research to complement the information from the field survey.FindingsThe findings found that SHP stations enhance rural electrification and welfare by providing electricity in remote areas with sparse populations. They operate as standalone off-grids, often by church communities and individuals. However, the sustainability of SHP stations is hampered by challenges such as climate change impacts, high capital investment costs, heavy siltation of small reservoirs, skilled manpower shortages, limited local manufacturing capabilities and infrastructural issues.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the ongoing debate on renewable energy supply and uses, focusing on how SHP stations could contribute to sustainable rural electrification and achieve the 2030 United Nations agenda for sustainable development, which, among other things, aims to safeguard access to sustainable and modern energy and alleviate energy poverty.

Stabilność rynku finansowego – kluczowy czynnik zrównoważonych finansów

In this article the authors argue that financial market stability plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (The United Nations Agenda 2030) that include not only economic growth but also the elimination of inequality. Indeed, financial markets share responsibility for building a sustainable economy that balances economic interest with social responsibility. The authors present a thesis that the financial market plays a key role in solving economic and social problems and building the innovative, low-carbon economy of the future. Climate and environmental change are a source of financial risk which creates new challenges for the financial safety net: central banks, regulators, and supervisors. The choice of funding sources and instruments has a decisive impact on the stability of the financial system and financing to achieve specific SDG can lead to new systemic risks. The authors find it reasonable to conclude that whether we are dealing with financial, public finance, epidemiological or environmental crises, the stability of the financial market is at the heart of the concerns of regulatory and supervisory institutions as it is vital for economic growth and economic standing in general. The research uses theoretical and dogmatic-legal methods based on the analysis of the content and availability of source information, i.e. theoretical and legal publications as well as legal regulations crucial from the point of view of the subject.

Deep eutectic solvents applications aligned to 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development

Sustainable living means understanding how lifestyle choices impact the world and how the livelihoods of current and future generations can be sustained. If the current production and processing patterns are switched to sustainable ones, this will contribute to diminishing adverse effects such as pollution and climate change. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are biodegradable, biocompatible, low cost and tunable green solvents extensively analyzed in different areas to replace traditional harsh organic solvents. DESs are rapidly emerging in numerous applications owing to their green character and physicochemical properties, leading to their used, not only as solvent systems, but as catalysts, adsorbent agents, electrolytes or nanocarriers for the encapsulation of anticancer drugs, and in very diverse areas. Therefore, DESs can contribute to developing sustainable processes from different points of view. This review presents the main applications of DESs aligned to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically to those related to energy efficiency improvement, sustainable production patterns and action to combat climate change. Giving an overview about the implementation of DESs for process intensification and sustainable production, and in some cases how authors reconfigured processes using DESs to obtain cost effective, less labor-intensive, ecofriendly, safe, and highly effective approaches.

Speaking of civilians: Automated text analysis of the United Nations’ framing of complex humanitarian emergencies

Since the end of the Cold War, the protection of civilians has increased its weight on the United Nations (UN) agenda. This article (1) maps the evolution of civilian protection within the UN framework as an indicator of its shifting priorities, (2) identifies breakpoints in the prevalence and character of the protection discourse, and (3) explores how internal processes of policy development and real-world triggers (namely conflicts and peacekeeping operations) shaped this transformation. The article uses Structural Topic Modeling (STM) to analyze an original corpus of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on complex humanitarian emergencies since 1990. The analysis uncovers two distinct forms of protection, labeled as “Ground protection” and “Political–legal protection,” which are characterized by contrasting temporal and geographic trajectories. Moreover, critical junctures in the protection rhetoric (during the years 2000, 2005, and 2008) coincide with policy watersheds rather than conflict outbreaks or trends in peacekeeping deployment. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the intricate evolution of civilian protection using text-as-data methods, which uses its theory-building design to encourage further explorations on the interplay between internal and external factors in shaping its progression within the UN framework.

Прогресс стран БРИКС в достижении климатических и экологических целей Повестки 2030

The BRICS countries have repeatedly expressed their commitment to the goals of multilateral climate and environmental agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations (UN) Agenda for Sustainable Development. Large developing economies play an important role in global climate efforts, and their potential contribution to these efforts will only increase as their share of the global economy, resource consumption patterns, and greenhouse gas emissions increase. The article examines the BRICS agenda and the national policies of the five pre-expansion countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in the environmental-climate sphere. The article analyzes both institutional (collective) and national contributions of each of the five countries in comparison with the dynamics of environmental and climate indicators, which allows the identification of both the points of greatest progress and the areas that need additional efforts, including through the expansion of BRICS cooperation.