MONROVIA – The Paynesville City Corporation has just rolled out its first Climate Action Plan (PCAP). This initiative shows the city’s commitment to tackling climate change with community-focused strategies.
The launch event attracted a diverse audience, including Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. In her keynote speech, she praised Paynesville’s leadership and stressed the need for cooperation among African cities facing similar climate challenges. “Liberia is not just our neighbor; it feels like a second home. Our situations are alike, and our struggles are shared,” Aki-Sawyerr said. She emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing the tragic 2017 landslide in Freetown that took over 1,000 lives. “Climate change is here. This plan is a necessary local response.”
Aki-Sawyerr, also Co-Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, pointed out that local actions can effectively address global problems. She noted that the PCAP aligns with international goals for reducing carbon emissions and ensuring environmental justice.
The plan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Key initiatives include tree planting, improving waste management, enhancing drainage systems, adopting solar energy, and building climate-resilient structures.
This comprehensive strategy emerged from consultations with various stakeholders, inspired by discussions at the Africa Mayors’ Climate Conference in Freetown. Paynesville Mayor Robert S. Bestman II assured that the Corporation is dedicated to putting the plan into action, saying, “This Climate Action Plan won’t be left gathering dust.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) welcomed the PCAP as a vital step in achieving Liberia’s national climate objectives. Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the EPA’s Executive Director, mentioned, “This highlights how local efforts can reflect global climate goals. It’s not just about technology; it is about people, policies, and partnerships.”
The EPA plans to work with Paynesville City to secure climate financing and improve monitoring systems. They aim to replicate effective practices in other cities, including Kakata, Gbanga, Buchanan, and Tubmanburg.
The event was supported by representatives from civil society, religious organizations, youth groups, and development partners like UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), showcasing broad support for environmental action.
Aki-Sawyerr also called for more decentralized authority for local governments in West Africa, arguing that local leaders should control planning and revenue sources. “Local councils need the power to manage their resources effectively,” she stated.
With the Climate Action Plan officially launched, Paynesville City Corporation invites residents and partners to engage actively in achieving its goals, aiming to create a greener and safer community for future generations.
Recent statistics highlight the increasing impact of climate change on urban areas. A study from the Global Climate Change Alliance found that cities contribute approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This makes local actions, like Paynesville’s plan, not just beneficial but essential. As more cities recognize their crucial role, the spotlight on local climate initiatives is likely to grow.
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