Monrovia, Liberia – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, has warned that climate change is no longer a future concern but a present and escalating threat to Liberia’s environment, economy, and public safety.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Monrovia, Dr. Yarkpawolo said Liberia is already experiencing severe climate impacts, including heavy rainfall, recurrent flooding, rising sea levels, and unpredictable weather patterns that are disrupting agriculture and hindering national development.
“Climate change is happening now,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “Its effects include rising temperatures, warming oceans, increased atmospheric moisture, and changing rainfall patterns, all of which are making floods stronger and more frequent across the country.”
He noted that between 2019 and early 2026, Liberia—particularly Monrovia and surrounding communities—has witnessed a surge in flooding incidents, often occurring late at night or in the early morning hours. According to him, these floods have displaced families, destroyed homes, and damaged public infrastructure.
The EPA Executive Director also warned that sea level rise poses a major threat to Liberia’s coastal communities. He said projections indicate that sea levels could rise between 0.6 meters and one meter in the future, placing thousands of people at risk.
“A significant percentage of Liberia’s population lives along the coast,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “Without urgent action, communities near hospitals, roads, and economic centers could be severely affected.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo further highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, explaining that erratic rainfall patterns are negatively affecting the production of staple crops such as rice and cassava. This, he said, has contributed to rising food prices and growing food insecurity across the country.
He identified human activities as key drivers of climate change impacts in Liberia, including deforestation, illegal logging, industrial emissions, mining activities, pollution, and unsustainable farming practices.
“These environmental changes are already undermining our national development efforts,” he warned.
In response to the growing crisis, Dr. Yarkpawolo said the Government of Liberia, through the EPA and partner institutions, is strengthening environmental laws, enhancing monitoring of mining and industrial operations, protecting forests and wetlands, and enforcing pollution control measures.
He added that the government is also investing in climate-resilient development, early warning systems for extreme weather events, and international cooperation to improve environmental monitoring and climate prediction.
Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded by calling on all Liberians to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
“Every Liberian has a role to play,” he said. “Protect our forests, avoid blocking drainage systems, reduce pollution, practice sustainable farming, and support environmental protection efforts. The future of our children and generations yet unborn depends on the actions we take today.”
