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Climate change in Liberia causes many problems asLiberia is particularlyvulnerable to climate change. Like manyother countries in Africa, Liberia both faces existingenvironmental issues, as well assustainable development challenges.[1] Because of its location in Africa, it is vulnerable toextreme weather, the coastal effects ofsea level rise, and changing water systems and water availability.[2] Climate change is expected to severely impact theeconomy of Liberia, especially agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Liberia has been an active participant in international and local policy changes related to climate change.[3]
In March 2024, theWorld Bank released the LiberiaCountry and Climate Development Report (CCDR), which highlights the severe threat posed by global climate change to Liberia's stability andeconomic growth. The report outlines the country's vulnerabilities, including its reliance on natural resources, limitedfiscal space, and inadequate infrastructure. It warns that without proactive intervention,climate change could shrink Liberia's economy by 15% and push an additional 1.3 million people into poverty by 2050. Conversely, the report suggests that targeted adaptation efforts could significantly improve resilience for up to 800,000 individuals. The CCDR details a strategy for climate action, focusing on four main themes: climate risks and readiness, essential infrastructure, human development, andsustainable land management. It also calls for improved access to finance, leveraging both concessional funding and private sector investment, to support Liberia's pursuit of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.[4][5]
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]
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 theMount 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]
61% of the GDP and 75% of employment is in the agriculture sector.[9] Climate change is expected to exacerbate extreme weather and decrease crop yields, resulting infood insecurity.[9]
The Liberian Environmental Protection Agency launched a national response plan in 2018.[10]
Liberia was one of the first recipients of theGreen Climate Fund,[2] and received significant funding in 2014 fromNorway in order to address forestry practices, fossil fuel subsidies, and renewable energy in the country.[11]
Medium-range estimates of Arctic carbon emissions could result from moderate climate emission mitigation policies that keep global warming below 3°C (e.g., RCP4.5). This global warming level most closely matches country emissions reduction pledges made for the Paris Climate Agreement...
"The IPCC doesn't make projections about which of these scenarios is more likely, but other researchers and modellers can.The Australian Academy of Science, for instance, released a report last year stating that our current emissions trajectory had us headed for a 3°C warmer world, roughly in line with the middle scenario.Climate Action Tracker predicts 2.5 to 2.9°C of warming based on current policies and action, with pledges and government agreements taking this to 2.1°C.
Climate change by country | |
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