ACCESS4ALL Group

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) strategically leveraged its oil reserves and rainforests to gain international attention and climate finance, using the threat of environmental destruction to pressure wealthier nations for funding ahead of COP27. By coordinating with multilateral initiatives like REDD+, the Coalition for Rainforest Nations, and countries such as Brazil and Indonesia, the DRC strengthened its bargaining power, aligning with broader rainforest preservation goals and amplifying its voice in climate negotiations. The concept of loss and damage underpinned this strategy, highlighting the financial responsibility of high-emission countries toward vulnerable nations. Ethically, while leveraging potential environmental harm raises concerns, it can be viewed as a pragmatic use of limited leverage to advance climate justice and secure resources for protection and resilience.