Over the past few months many parts of Liberia have experienced flooding following heavy rainstorms. The floods have driven many people, mainly the poor, out of their homes, and curtailed the business activities of petty traders. Many farmers are also raising alarm over anticipated crop failure which could further jeopardize the country’s precarious food security. This scenario reflects the increasing burden that climate change is imposing on the people of Liberia, many of whom are extremely vulnerable to climatic shocks.
Such effects were discussed at great length during the Africa Climate Week held in August in Libreville, Gabon. The event marked a major turning point on efforts to address climate change in Africa as governments, the private sector, civil society, youth, and indigenous communities sat side-by-side brainstorming on how best to address the reality of climate change.