A group of rapidly growing carbon emitters, crucial for a global climate change agreement, is now open to discussing the future of the Kyoto Protocol in order to gain the support of the United States. The Kyoto Protocol currently requires around 40 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 2008-12, but developing countries are pushing for a stronger second commitment period. Developed nations are divided on this issue, with some wanting to abandon Kyoto in order to include emerging markets like India and China. The upcoming meeting of environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India, and China will focus on building trust with wealthy nations and address the question of how long the Kyoto Protocol will remain in effect. The agenda for the upcoming meeting in South Africa on April 25-26 poses the question of considering a shorter second commitment period specifically focused on ensuring the stability of carbon markets. Additionally, another question on the agenda is what would replace the Kyoto Protocol if there is no second commitment period. The lack of trust between wealthier and less affluent nations regarding their respective responsibilities in addressing climate change has hindered global negotiations on this issue. Officials are not very optimistic about reaching a comprehensive agreement in Mexico in November. Therefore, if the BASIC nations are willing to compromise on the Kyoto Protocol, it could help move the negotiations forward and potentially bring the United States, which never ratified the protocol, on board. An Indian negotiator described the agenda as "realistic" and focused on exploring all possible options to secure a favorable outcome for all parties involved. The BASIC meeting agenda also includes discussions on how elements of the Copenhagen Accord, a political agreement negotiated last year with the United States, could be integrated into the current negotiation process. The Copenhagen Accord aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and provides a goal of $100 billion in aid starting in 2020. The text outlines the steps taken by numerous countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters, to reduce their emissions by 2020. The original purpose of the Copenhagen conference was to establish a global agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The upcoming meeting in South Africa will also discuss the potential expansion of the BASIC bloc and the usefulness of smaller groups like the G20 and Major Economies Forum for negotiations. Developing countries are advocating for dual-track negotiations focused on a Kyoto successor after 2013 and long-term climate change actions by all nations.