CYCLES-LIBERIA has called for urgent action to combat climate change impacts on smallholder farmers in Liberia. Beyan E. Harris emphasized that unpredictable weather patterns threaten food security and urged for increased youth engagement in climate policy. UNDP’s Abraham E. Tumbay discussed the need for financing climate initiatives and highlighted Liberia’s commitments as outlined in its NDC. The recent Youth Post-COP29 Conference reinforced the necessity for collaboration in addressing climate challenges.
CYCLES-LIBERIA, a prominent grassroots environmental advocacy organization in Liberia, has highlighted the pressing need for decisive actions to address the adverse effects of climate change on smallholder farmers. According to Beyan E. Harris, the Executive Director, farmers in rural areas are struggling to adapt to unpredictable weather patterns, which jeopardizes food production and security in the nation.
Mr. Harris pointed out the challenges farmers face, such as experiencing unexpected rain during the dry season and droughts in the rainy season. This unpredictability severely disrupts agricultural practices. Furthermore, he indicated that discussions at the recent Youth Post-COP29 Conference primarily centered on waste management and climate change due to Liberia’s pivotal role in international environmental policy.
He emphasized that waste management is not merely about littering but entails long-term consequences that pose serious risks. The Executive Director pushed for comprehensive strategies encompassing both mitigation and adaptation to enhance resilience against climate impacts. He subsequently called for increased youth engagement in climate policymaking and urged the government to implement tangible measures to address climate issues effectively.
During the Youth Post-COP29 Conference organized with partners, Mr. Harris shared insights on the importance of translating global climate conference outcomes into actionable solutions at the local level. The event sought to engage over 50 young participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering discussions on Liberia’s climate action strategies and the significance of active youth involvement.
Mr. Abraham E. Tumbay, UNDP’s Program Coordinator for Livelihood and Empowerment Creation, affirmed the necessity of contributing to global climate stability and emphasized Liberia’s commitment outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0. He noted that meeting current climate challenges requires not just pledges but a substantial increase in efforts, estimated at around 3%.
Mr. Tumbay addressed the crucial need for financing climate initiatives in least-developed countries like Liberia, advocating for investment in renewable energy sources to mitigate emissions and secure a sustainable future. He recognized the necessity of balancing economic development with environmental protection, urging for equitable access to markets and resources to foster advancement.
The dialogue surrounding Liberia’s post-COP29 initiatives reiterated the collective responsibility of youth and government in addressing climate change. The participants, particularly from marginalized groups, highlighted the significance of converting international commitments from COP29 into practical programs that benefit local communities, ensuring sustainable practices are prioritized.
The post-COP29 dialogue included contributions from several grassroots organizations, indicating a broader engagement in climate issues at multiple levels. Despite the prominent discussions, the shared experience illuminated opportunities for participating youth, regardless of whether they attended COP29, to understand and advocate for essential climate actions effectively.
In conclusion, CYCLES-LIBERIA urges immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change on smallholder farmers and enhance youth involvement in climate policymaking. The Youth Post-COP29 Conference served as a platform to emphasize the importance of transitioning to sustainable practices and securing financing for climate initiatives. The collaborative efforts among youth and organizations are vital in driving meaningful change in Liberia’s approach to environmental sustainability.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
