Os BRICS e o desenvolvimento sustentável: uma revisão sistemática de literatura

Abstract

In a scenario of transformations in the international order from a relative hegemonic decline of the United States, the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are understood as a very much relevant organization in the international geopolitical scenario. In this context, the BRICS, as developing countries, are important environmental polluters and consistently recognize, at their annual Summits, the importance of implementing sustainable development. Therefore, BRICS’ promotion of sustainable development is understood as a theme of relevance – which, indeed, is confirmed by the verification of sustainable development as a motor theme in the general and economic academic literature about BRICS. Thus, it is developed a systematic literature review for a broader comprehension of the group’s advancements through its sustainable development project. The systematic review is constructed from three phases: (I) identifying the question to be scrutinized and elaborating a revision protocol, (II) identifying, selecting and extracting the studies to be reviewed and (III) reviewing the studies and reporting the results. Results indicate, in general terms, that the group’s economic growth has not been environmentally sustainable, and that social advances are still necessary, especially for Brazil and South Africa, despite Chinese, Russian and Indian progress. Positive impacts from education and technological innovation have been observed, but, on the innovation matters, only China has advanced satisfactorily and, on the education ones, there is still further space for more advancements. On the energy matters, Brazil stands out positively on the use of renewable sources for energy generation and may serve as an example to be followed by the other members; on the other hand, however, South Africa stands out negatively. Extraction and use of natural resources have been harmful for the group’s sustainability and have to be rethought widely. The New Development Bank is an interesting tool to the group’s cooperation aiming for sustainable development promotion. Other results are presented as well. The issue concludes that the BRICS’ advancement through its sustainable development project seems to be not sufficiently consistent, despite the fact that its merits cannot be ignored. Finally, the issue highlights the need for the deepening of the BRICS’ efforts aiming the promotion of practices that are environmentally and humanitarianly sustainable.