As climate-related disasters continue to intensify across the globe, Liberia remains one of the country’s most vulnerable to the devastating effects of the global climate crisis.
On the occasion of the EU Day for Victims of the Global Climate Crisis, the European Union Delegation in Liberia has joined global partners in remembering the lives lost and the communities torn apart by climate-related events-both at home and abroad.
The day is a solemn reminder that climate change is not a distant threat-it is a current reality, with consequences that are already being felt in Liberia’s coastal towns, agricultural regions, and urban slums.
In recent years, rising sea levels have swallowed large portions of Liberia’s coastline, displacing families in communities like New Kru Town, West Point, and parts of Buchanan.
In the interior, unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells have disrupted farming activities, threatening food security and increasing hardship for thousands of rural families who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
“This crisis is real, and the suffering is undeniable,” said an EU representative during a brief ceremony held in Monrovia. “We are here today to remember the victims-those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and even their lives-and to call for urgent, collective action.”
Liberia: A Victim with Minimal Contribution
Despite being among the lowest carbon emitters globally, Liberia is bearing a disproportionate share of the climate burden.
Experts say this is the tragic irony of climate change: the countries and communities that contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions are often those most affected by their consequences.
Flash floods during Liberia’s rainy season have become more intense in recent years, particularly in urban centers like Monrovia, where poor drainage systems and rapid urbanization amplify the damage.
In the absence of strong adaptation measures, vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and the elderly, are left exposed to displacement, waterborne diseases, and food insecurity.
EU Pledges Continued Support
The EU Delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s climate resilience efforts.
Through a range of development programs and partnerships, the EU continues to assist Liberia in promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and early warning systems.
“We stand with Liberia not just in words, but in action,” the EU statement emphasized. “We are investing in reducing emissions, improving climate resilience, and advocating for climate justice, because protecting people and the planet is a shared responsibility.”
Call to Action
The Day for Victims of the Global Climate Crisis is also a call to global leaders to match words with deeds. For Liberia, climate justice means not only financial and technical support but also a commitment from the world’s largest polluters to cut emissions and honor climate financing pledges.
As the global community pauses to remember the human cost of climate inaction, Liberia stands as a compelling case for why the world must act, swiftly and decisively.
