Heads of state of member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization called for a balance between reducing carbon emissions and helping poorer countries catch up with developed nations in a joint statement on climate change.

China, India and Russia, were a part of the statement. Together, the three countries count as some of the world’s largest carbon emitters acknowledged the consequences of climate change but simultaneously called for an increase in investment towards gas and oil production and exploration. 

At the same time, the member states of the SCO took issue with what they called were “coercive measures” that seek to get them to reduce their emissions at a pace that they feel is unsustainable. They said that the countries should “have the right to independently set national goals in the field of climate change prevention”.

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In their statement, the group criticized the “unilateral coercive measures”, saying that they “undermine” cooperation of countries to collectively address the issue of climate change and that it can ” weaken the ability of countries to address climate change.” 

Russia, China and India have at times been accused of being the biggest polluters and not doing anything to curb emissions. However, the trio have previously argued that they should be allowed more leeway so they can focus on economic growth over climate issues for the time being. 

Additionally, in their joint statement, the SCO said that it had issues with the complete push towards cleaner renewable energy and the move away from fossil fuels. 

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“It is important … to use the common and complementary advantages of fossil fuels and clean energy sources and, in this regard, to increase investment in the exploration and production of fossil fuels,” the joint statement from SCO members read. 

The SCO accounts for just over half the world’s population. On Thursday, Iran joined the group of nations, becoming the ninth permanent member.