Monrovia, Liberia — Liberia is grappling with an escalating crisis driven by climate change, significantly affecting its coastal communities, notably New Kru Town and West Point in Montserrado County. The West African nation, which heavily depends on its natural resources, is facing rising sea levels that threaten its economic stability and environmental health.
Liberia’s Climate Vulnerability
Liberia is acutely vulnerable to climate change due to its heavy reliance on sectors sensitive to weather patterns, such as agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Despite engaging in various international climate agreements, Liberia’s challenges are compounded by limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and low human development, leaving the country increasingly exposed to climate risks.
Impact on New Kru Town
New Kru Town, a densely populated coastal area in Monrovia, is experiencing severe consequences from rising sea levels. With a population exceeding 10,000, this community has traditionally depended on fishing for its livelihood. However, the decline in fish stocks due to climate change has led to significant economic hardship.
In 2013, the area was devastated by severe sea erosion, destroying over 200 homes and displacing thousands. Long-time resident Esther Seaton, who has lived in New Kru Town for over four decades, has witnessed the destruction of her home by the encroaching Atlantic Ocean. This situation underscores the urgent need for stronger coastal defenses to protect against flooding and erosion.
Residents are increasingly alarmed about the potential for catastrophic flooding if effective measures are not implemented. The erosion has already caused substantial losses, with many families displaced and livelihoods destroyed.
Buster Chea, a resident of Florida in New Kru Town, has been forced to rent a home after losing both of his houses to erosion. “The sea has taken my two houses, and now I’m renting,” Chea said, reflecting the severe personal impact of rising sea levels.
Local officials, including Governor Moses Doe Weah, report that over 10,000 homes in New Kru Town have been affected by erosion. Sand mining along the beach has been identified as a major contributor to the problem. While efforts are underway to address sand mining, Governor Weah notes that current coastal defenses are inadequate and call for more substantial action.
Challenges in West Point
West Point, another densely populated coastal slum, is home to more than 75,000 residents and is similarly impacted by coastal erosion. The community faces severe environmental degradation, including significant land loss to the ocean. Additionally, the beach area around West Point is often used as an open latrine, leading to health hazards from contaminated water.
Newly appointed Commissioner McPhearson Daweh highlighted the severe economic and health impacts of coastal erosion on West Point. The erosion has devastated local fishermen, who rely on fishing for their income, and has caused serious health issues, including waterborne diseases and diarrhea.
Joanna Akun, a fish seller and mother of five who has lived in West Point for over 30 years, described how declining fish stocks have forced her to seek alternative income sources. Some fishermen have even lost their lives due to hazardous conditions caused by high sea levels.
The devastating impact of sea erosion on the home in New Kru Town
Global Context and Projections
The World Economic Forum projects that by 2100, up to 410 million people globally could face risks from coastal flooding due to rising sea levels. The 2024 Global Risks Report identifies melting ice sheets as a significant threat, with sea levels having already risen to over 10 centimeters between 1993 and 2024. Future projections suggest a rise of 1 to 2 meters is inevitable.
NASA data supports these findings, showing unprecedented rates of sea level rise over the past 2,500 years. Liberia, with its high rainfall and extreme poverty, is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on climate-sensitive sectors.
Local Climate Conditions
Liberia experiences heavy rainfall, averaging nearly 2,500 millimeters annually, with peak precipitation from June to September. The country’s mean annual temperature is about 25.7°C, with variations throughout the year.
The Climate Change Knowledge Portal indicates that Liberia’s highly variable climate increases its susceptibility to climate-related impacts. The combination of high rainfall, rising sea levels, and environmental instability highlights the urgent need for effective climate adaptation strategies.
Vulnerability Assessment
The ND-GAIN Index ranks Liberia 171st out of 181 countries in terms of climate change vulnerability. This ranking reflects the country’s high exposure to climate risks and limited capacity for adaptation.
In 2021, Liberia updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to cap the increase at 1.5°C. The revised NDCs include a goal of reducing emissions by 10% below business-as-usual levels by 2030 and align with Liberia’s National Adaptation Plan and development strategy, incorporating gender and youth considerations and focusing on urban and coastal development.
Current Challenges and Efforts
The Liberian Government, with support from partners, has begun constructing coastal defenses to counter rising sea levels. Despite these efforts, residents expressed concerns that current measures are insufficient.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP Liberia are working with local communities to build protective revetments to prevent erosion. However, ongoing challenges necessitate more comprehensive actions.
The World Bank’s Liberia Country and Climate Development Report (CCDR) emphasizes the severe threat climate change poses to Liberia’s stability and economic growth. The report warns that without significant intervention, climate change could reduce Liberia’s economy by 15% and push an additional 1.3 million people into poverty by 2050. Targeted adaptation measures could, however, enhance resilience for up to 800,000 people.
Government and Disaster Management Response
Archievego M. Doe, Director of Risk Communication and Public Affairs at the National Disaster Management Agency, acknowledges the need for increased action to address coastal erosion. He highlights that while some interventions have been made, more resources and efforts are required. The agency plans to increase public awareness and improve drainage systems to manage the situation effectively.
As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, addressing the challenges faced by communities in New Kru Town and West Point remains crucial. Both local and global efforts are essential to mitigate the devastating effects of rising sea levels and ensure the resilience and stability of Liberia’s coastal regions.
By: Grace Moleyeaze/Internews Environmental Reporting Fellow
