This study investigates the impact of renewable energy investments on climate change mitigation within BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Using the augmented mean group estimator and Dumitrescu–Hurlin non-causality test, the research finds that increased investments in renewable energy research and development (R&D) significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A 1% increase in per capita renewable energy R&D spending is associated with a 2.24% decrease in emissions, while a 1% rise in overall energy technology R&D budgets corresponds to a 3.15% emissions reduction. These findings highlight the potential of innovation-focused policies to promote sustainability alongside economic growth. The study underscores the need for further research to develop effective policies that reduce emissions without compromising development goals. The BRICS countries are major contributors to global GHG emissions and face significant challenges in balancing energy security, economic growth, and environmental protection. As these nations continue to grow economically and urbanize, their energy demands have risen, necessitating sustainable solutions. The study emphasizes the importance of coordinated policies to accelerate clean energy transitions and mitigate climate change. The results provide empirical evidence for the centrality of innovation systems alignment in driving sustainable development. The findings have implications for policy-making, highlighting the urgency of targeted interventions to address climate change in the context of rapid economic development. The BRICS countries' energy policies play a crucial role in global decarbonization efforts, making this research essential for understanding the relationship between renewable energy investments and climate change mitigation.This study investigates the impact of renewable energy investments on climate change mitigation within BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Using the augmented mean group estimator and Dumitrescu–Hurlin non-causality test, the research finds that increased investments in renewable energy research and development (R&D) significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A 1% increase in per capita renewable energy R&D spending is associated with a 2.24% decrease in emissions, while a 1% rise in overall energy technology R&D budgets corresponds to a 3.15% emissions reduction. These findings highlight the potential of innovation-focused policies to promote sustainability alongside economic growth. The study underscores the need for further research to develop effective policies that reduce emissions without compromising development goals. The BRICS countries are major contributors to global GHG emissions and face significant challenges in balancing energy security, economic growth, and environmental protection. As these nations continue to grow economically and urbanize, their energy demands have risen, necessitating sustainable solutions. The study emphasizes the importance of coordinated policies to accelerate clean energy transitions and mitigate climate change. The results provide empirical evidence for the centrality of innovation systems alignment in driving sustainable development. The findings have implications for policy-making, highlighting the urgency of targeted interventions to address climate change in the context of rapid economic development. The BRICS countries' energy policies play a crucial role in global decarbonization efforts, making this research essential for understanding the relationship between renewable energy investments and climate change mitigation.