[An Analysis] One of the many countries taking part in the upcoming 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) on climate change is Liberia, a republic on Africa’s west coast. The conference is slated to occur in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
There is much to be expected from this meeting for Liberia. Being among the World’s poorest, the nation is extremely susceptible to the consequences of climate change. A large portion of the nation’s economy depends on agriculture, which is endangered by climate change. In addition, the nation is vulnerable to landslides and floods, which are growing more often and severe as a result of climate change.
Outgoing President, George Manneh Weah departed Liberia on Monday, November 27 to participate in the climate change debate. He is expected to make a strong case on climate financing.
One of the first countries to benefit from a grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supporting two projects is Liberia. The UNDP anticipates that the Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project will be finished in 2027 after it was approved in 2021. By building coastal defense structures, creating a coastal zone management plan, and encouraging livelihood diversification, it seeks to increase the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to sea level rises brought on by climate change.
In Liberia, the Enhancing Climate Information Systems for Resilient Development project will support the development of national and local early warning systems that are interconnected. Although they have just recently begun to be implemented, both programs meet two urgent and immediate needs that are stated in NAPA. In February 2022, the GCF was designated as the recognized agency for a grant-financed project approved by the African Development Program (AfDB).
With its participation in COP28, Liberia will have a chance to speak up and defend its interests. The nation is anticipated to advocate for increased financing for technology transfer, capacity building, and climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
It is anticipated that Liberia will also use the conference as a venue to highlight its climate change mitigation initiatives. The nation’s use of renewable energy has increased and its emissions of greenhouse gases have decreased significantly in recent years. By 2030, Liberia wants to have 70% of its electricity come from renewable sources.
To sum up, Liberia stands to benefit greatly from the forthcoming COP 28 meeting. The nation is anticipated to advocate for increased financing for technology transfer, capacity building, and climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. It is anticipated that Liberia will also use the conference as a venue to highlight its climate change mitigation initiatives. The nation’s future growth and the welfare of its people depend on its participation in the conference.
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
Now residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, he keeps connecting with readers across continents with his perceptive journalism and sharing his viewpoint. He is well-respected in the sector because of his unwavering commitment to honesty and morality, which sets him apart in the field.
Orlind's work is more than simply his job; it's a dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating unsung tales, and advancing the worldwide conversation on important concerns. His goal as a journalist is to use the media's power to change the world, not just to disseminate information. He is a key player in modern journalism because of the inspiration, education, and engagement that his work consistently provides.