Congo's Next President Will Be a Key Voice in Green Energy Talks.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to elect a president who will have a significant impact on global efforts to combat climate change. The country's forests, rivers, and minerals are crucial for green development worldwide, and the next leader will need to make important decisions about their use. President Felix Tshisekedi has made some progress on environmental and energy issues, including signing deals for a major hydropower project and carbon credit initiatives. However, he still needs to make key decisions to ensure the sustainable development of these resources. The protection of Congo's rainforests, the construction of the Grand Inga hydropower project, and the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries are all at stake. Tshisekedi's government needs to implement a regulatory framework for companies to invest in offsets generated by the rainforests. The president's decision to launch a bidding round for oil and gas exploration permits has drawn criticism from environmental activists. Tshisekedi has defended the move as necessary for poverty alleviation, while his opponents have called for an end to such exploration. The president has also been hesitant to start work on the Grand Inga hydro project, which could provide sustainable energy for Congo and beyond. The country's cobalt industry, which accounts for 70% of global supply, also needs to be addressed due to concerns about corruption and working conditions. The US and EU are interested in countering China's influence in the region and have a renewed interest in the DRC due to the [Extracted from the article]