Using Digital Twins to Combat Climate Change in BRICS Countries

The dynamics show that on a global scale there is a steady trend towards an increase in the level of environmental pollution. The main contributors to the global pollution are the most dynamically developing countries, especially the BRICS members. The hypothesis is that in conditions where traditional methods do not lead to the desired result, a tool is necessary. Digital twin technology can serve as such a tool. To check the hypothesis, the authors analyze the practice of creating and implementing digital twins in China, India, Brazil, and Russia. The choice of the countries was based on the data on the share of different countries in total emissions presented by the European Commission. In each country, the authors studied the mostly successful projects in terms of achieving national environmental goals. The significance of the study is in a new approach to the problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the BRICS member countries, which are one of the main sources of pollution in the world. The authors take as a basis for their analysis data on the main sources of environmental pollution and offer options for reducing these emissions by creating digital twins. It is stated that the use of digital twins is not as expensive as switching to renewable energy sources and provides better indicators for modernizing production and management systems. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that the authors are exploring alternative mechanisms for reducing environmental pollution compared to those practiced by the European Commission. Instead of assigning quotas and high fines for industrial emissions, as well as the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, the authors propose a systematic approach to modernizing production, construction, and urban management methods using digital twins of a real object. The technology allows not only to make management more efficient and reduce costs but also to achieve goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.