A few nights before a major climate discussion in Monrovia, a fierce windstorm hit Gomue Village in Bong County. Homes were damaged, and families were forced to flee. This event highlights the challenges Liberia faces due to climate change.
The recent storm is not an isolated incident; our climate is changing, and disasters are becoming more frequent. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), appealed for help for the storm victims, signaling a troubling trend: the need for better disaster management resources.
At the climate conference, experts pointed out critical issues the government must address urgently. Liberia’s National Adaptation Plan lays out ambitious strategies in agriculture, energy, and coastal protection. However, it’s heavy on plans but lacking in funding, needing an estimated $2.5 to $3 billion for effective implementation—far beyond the nation’s budget.
The national budget allocates just $2.9 million to the EPA, barely enough to cover basic operations. Nathaniel Blama from the EPA explained that without dedicated financial resources, climate initiatives remain mostly theoretical. “We need coded budget lines for climate change,” he said. It’s essential to know how funds are used for effective climate action.
Even with an increase in government revenue, reaching $1.2 billion, basic services for Liberia’s 5.4 million people remain underfunded. Experts suggest looking to “nature-based solutions.” Blama advocates for planting trees and maintaining wetlands as strategies to build resilience against climate impacts. “Let nature do the work,” he urged.
Efforts at climate resilience have faltered in recent years, particularly during the Weah administration, which struggled to meet donor requirements. Under the new Boakai administration, projects are back on track, but time is against them. “Now is the time to act,” Yarkpawolo emphasized.
Accountability is crucial in these efforts. Ireland’s Ambassador, Gerard Considine, urged that transparent governance is key to successful climate adaptation. Richard Nagbe Koon, speaker of the House, assured support for laws that strengthen climate solutions.
Ultimately, the need for immediate action is vital. Nathaniel Blama reflects on the challenges Liberia faces. “We can’t just complain; we have a chance to act,” he said. The climate crisis is pressing, and Liberia must rise to the occasion.
For more insights on climate actions in Liberia, you can explore resources from the Environmental Protection Agency [here](https://epa.gov.lr/) and gain deeper insights into global climate initiatives at the [United Nations Climate Change site](https://unfccc.int/).
