Climate change in Liberia

Liberia is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Like many other countries in Africa, Liberia both faces existing environmental issues, as well as sustainable development challenges.[1] Because of its location in Africa, it is vulnerable to extreme weather, coastal effects of sea level rise, and changing water systems and water availability.[2]

Climate change is expected to severely impact the Liberian economy, especially agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.[3] Liberia has been an active participant in international and local policy changes related to climate change.

Impacts

Water scarcity

High evaporation, changes in seasonal rainfall patterns, and runoff decreases, are expected to lead to decreased water and worse water quality.[2] Additionally, by the 2020s the Mount Coffee Hydropower Project is expected to have challenges maintain water supply.[2] Moreover, sea level rise is expected to cause increase salinization in important coastal communities.[2] In particular, increased runoff is expected to create increased water quality problems, exacerbating existing water quality challenges.[4]

Sea level rise
Population density and low elevation coastal zones. Monrovia is especially vulnerable to sea level rise.

60% of the population of Liberia lives along the coast.[2] As sea level rises, its expected to put pressure on a number of populations, including communities in slums such as the West Point Slum.[2] Additionally, this sea level rise is expected to incured loses of $250 million.[2]

Agriculture

61% of the GDP and 75% of employment is in the agriculture sector.[4] Climate change is expected to have a number of impacts on extreme weather, plus decreasing crop yields to create food insecurity.[4]

Policy

Liberia was one of the first recipients of the Green Climate Fund,[2] and received significant funding in 2014 from Norway in order to address forestry practices, fossil fuels subsidies, and renewable energy in the country.[5]

The Liberian Environmental Protection Agency launched a national response plan in 2018.[6]

References
  1. "Building effective climate governance in Liberia - Liberia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  2. "Climate Risk Profile: Liberia". Climatelinks. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  3. Blackmore, R.D. Lorna Doone. Ryerson Press. ISBN 0-665-26503-4. OCLC 1084383140.
  4. "Climate Adaptation in Liberia" (PDF). Climate Links. USAID.
  5. "Climate change and the environment". Norgesportalen. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  6. Hub, IISD's SDG Knowledge. "Liberia Launches Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD". Retrieved 2020-05-21.
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