There are significant differences in climate policy ambition and action among the expanded BRICS member states. Countries like India and South Africa have implemented robust renewable energy and emissions reduction programmes, while others such as Saudi Arabia and Russia have been more reluctant to decarbonise due to heavy fossil fuel dependence. These divergences threaten to undermine the bloc’s potential contributions to the goals of the Paris Agreement and the sustainability of the BRICS grouping’s economic growth and development, because of global reliance on the bloc. As BRICS is one of the most influential multilateral forums, lack of cohesion on climate change also risks weakening international cooperation. To substantively address climate change in line with shared responsibilities, bridges must be built across policy divisions among members with varied economic and energy profiles. The paper analyses the policy landscapes in key member states like India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Argentina. It argues that without narrowing differences through innovative cooperative initiatives, some members may fail to fulfill their commitments. Potential strategies include joint research partnerships, cooperative carbon pricing, and sub-national collaborations. While ambitious multilateral strategies hold promise, operationalising them faces substantial political challenges given members’ divergent interests. A balanced and adaptable approach over time, emphasising principles of equity and flexibility, could help consolidate climate leadership and fulfil Paris commitments. As major emitters, BRICS countries must cooperate to bolster global governance efforts commensurate with climate risks that would jeopardise sustainable development.