Overview of the DRC’s Strategy
Ahead of COP27, the Democratic Republic of the Congo used its rich natural asset particularly its oil reserves and vast tropical rainforests to attract international attention and mobilize climate financing. By emphasizing the possible expansion of oil extraction while simultaneously promoting forest protection, the country presented itself both as a potential environmental risk and as a key partner in global climate solutions.
The DRC also strengthened its influence through multilateral cooperation, notably within initiatives such as REDD+ and through partnerships with the Coalition for Rainforest Nations. Its collaboration with rainforest countries like Brazil and Indonesia helped create a stronger collective voice in climate negotiations.
Central to this strategy is the concept of climate “loss and damage,” which emphasizes the need for financial support for countries suffering from climate impacts they did not create. However, using the potential threat of environmental degradation as leverage also raises ethical concerns about climate justice and the balance between national development priorities and global environmental responsibility.