Understanding carbon debt, factors behind BRICS stance on fossil fuels, and why it matters at COP31

Source: Hindustan Times | Original Published At: 2026-10-03 00:26:10 UTC

Key Points

• The BRICS New Delhi declaration states that fossil fuels must remain part of developing nations' energy mix while supporting just, orderly, equitable and inclusive energy transitions.
• Climate experts describe carbon debt as the historical emissions gap created by developed countries' industrial-era use of coal, oil and gas.
• Data cited in the article show that from 1890 to 2009 the United States emitted about 400 gigatons of carbon dioxide, the European Union about 348 gigatons, China about 220 gigatons, and India about 53 gigatons.
• Experts argue that sudden fossil fuel phase-outs are unrealistic for developing countries with rising energy demand, unlike developed economies with more stable demand.
• At COP31, principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, or CBDR-RC, and national circumstances are expected to remain central to negotiations.
• Some analysts caution that carbon debt should not justify unlimited fossil fuel use and that developing countries still need to move toward cleaner energy systems.