Congo's oil ambitions may fuel climate finance debate

Significance

This attracted widespread criticism, as the DRC has rejected calls to halt an auction of oil blocks in ecologically sensitive areas that could directly threaten biodiversity within its own borders.

Impacts

• Huge shortfalls in disbursements of promised climate-related finance will erode faith in the pledges of advanced economies.
• More efficient funding mechanisms may be required for efforts to protect forests and other ecologically sensitive areas to succeed.
• The government is likely to remain particularly vocal about oil developments ahead of elections, to highlight its economic credentials.