Liberia faces financial shortages in climate change adaptation

Liberia faces financial shortages in implementing its National Adaptation Plan, valued at $7 billion, Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, founder of Liberia's One Life Liberia organization, said during the event "Progress in Developing and Implementing National Adaptation Plans: Accelerating Adaptation Measures" held within COP29, Report informs.

"This plan aligns with our nationally determined contributions. Currently, the plan is under review. The main focus is on coastal region protection and agricultural innovations. Additionally, we have prepared a five-year agenda for inclusive development. Furthermore, an agricultural development plan worth $700 million has been adopted," said Yarkpawolo.

He stated that Liberia is trying to do its part in fighting climate change:

"We are trying to ensure accountability and increase local revenues to solve problems. However, without support from the international community and friendly countries, reaching these targets is impossible. If climate change brings us together as a global society, then we must support each other. Only by joining forces and properly understanding and solving problems can we save ourselves and future generations," he emphasized.

Yarkpawolo also highlighted climate change impacts on Liberia and discussed natural disasters in the country:

"In July 2024, underground tremors occurred in Lofa County. On August 12, residents left the city because they didn't understand the cause of these events. A few weeks later, a landslide occurred in another community. Just yesterday, a similar incident happened in another locality. Earlier, a severe flood in Monrovia resulted in two children's deaths. When I personally visited farms, I saw that climate conditions had completely changed. Farmers asked me 'What's happening?' because it was no longer possible to determine suitable times for planting seeds. I tried to explain the effects of climate change, but struggled to fully explain its impact on agriculture."

By sharing these events, he once again emphasized the necessity of climate change adaptation and the importance of funding in this area.