Climate change in Liberia causes many problems as 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, the coastal effects of sea level rise, and changing water systems and water availability.[2] Climate change is expected to severely impact the economy of Liberia, especially agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Liberia has been an active participant in international and local policy changes related to climate change.[3]

Impacts on the natural environment

Temperature and weather changes

Current/past Köppen climate classification map for Liberia for 1980–2016
Predicted Köppen climate classification map for Liberia for 2071–2100

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] Sea level rise is expected to put pressure on a number of populations, including communities in slums such as the West Point Slum,[2] and incur losses of US$250 million.[2]

Water resources

High evaporation, changes in seasonal rainfall patterns, and runoff increases 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 with maintaining water supply.[2] Moreover, sea level rise is expected to cause increase salinization in important coastal communities.[2]

Impacts on people

Economic impacts

Agriculture

61% of the GDP and 75% of employment is in the agriculture sector.[4] Climate change is expected to exacerbate extreme weather and decrease crop yields, resulting in food insecurity.[4]

Mitigation and adaptation

Policies and legislation

The Liberian Environmental Protection Agency launched a national response plan in 2018.[5]

International cooperation

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 fuel subsidies, and renewable energy in the country.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Building effective climate governance in Liberia - Liberia". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "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. 1 2 "Climate Adaptation in Liberia" (PDF). Climate Links. USAID.
  5. ↑ Hub, IISD's SDG Knowledge. "Liberia Launches Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD". Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  6. ↑ "Climate change and the environment". Norgesportalen. Archived from the original on 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
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