CYCLES-LIBERIA Urges Immediate Action on Climate Change Impacting Farmers

CYCLES-LIBERIA calls for urgent action on climate change affecting smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to adapt to changing conditions. The Youth Post-COP29 Conference highlighted issues surrounding climate change and waste management, urging for increased youth involvement and government action. Efforts to finance climate initiatives, particularly for least-developed countries, were underscored as essential for sustainability.

CYCLES-LIBERIA, a prominent grassroots environmental advocacy organization in Liberia, has called for urgent actions to address climate change’s adverse effects on smallholder farmers in rural communities. The organization emphasizes the necessity of implementing effective measures to mitigate the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns directly affecting food security.

Beyan E. Harris, the Executive Director of CYCLES-LIBERIA, pointed out that farmers are now unable to depend on traditional weather conditions due to irregularities, leading to significant disruptions in food production. This unpredictability in climate directly threatens the food security of the nation, as farmers struggle with unexpected rains during dry seasons and droughts in the rainy season.

Mr. Harris highlighted the focus of the recent Youth Post-COP29 Conference on waste management and climate change, underscoring Liberia’s pivotal position in international environmental discourse. He articulated the misconceptions surrounding waste disposal, emphasizing its detrimental impact over time. He called for immediate action to prevent further environmental degradation and encouraged adaptation strategies to cope with the evolving climate landscape.

During his address at the conference, Mr. Harris advocated for greater youth engagement in climate policymaking, stating that while attendance at global climate forums is not guaranteed, the real impact lies in translating discussions into actionable solutions domestically.

Mr. Abraham E. Tumbay, a representative from UNDP, addressed Liberia’s engagement with climate initiatives and the significance of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 in the context of global climate stability. He asserted that every country must step up to ensure collective climate action, highlighting a need for a minimum 3% increase in efforts to achieve tangible progress.

Furthermore, Mr. Tumbay underscored the vital importance of financing climate initiatives specifically for least-developed nations such as Liberia. He noted that transitioning to renewable energy, particularly through the establishment of solar farms, is crucial for reducing emissions and securing a sustainable future.

Both speakers at the conference urged for enhanced government involvement and continuous youth participation in climate discussions to foster collaborative solutions. CYCLES-LIBERIA’s Youth Post COP29 Dialogue gathered over 50 participants, including representatives from marginalized communities and youth organizations, facilitating a rich exchange on Liberia’s position and insights from COP29.

The dialogue offered participants a deeper understanding of COP29 outcomes and strategies to transform these commitments into actionable initiatives at national and local levels. Furthermore, it was noted that the Global North has committed to contributing $300 billion annually to the Global South for climate initiatives, which was highlighted as a necessity for enhancing global climate action.

In conclusion, CYCLES-LIBERIA’s urgent call for action on climate change emphasizes the necessity of addressing its effects on smallholder farmers in Liberia. With the call for greater youth participation and government involvement, the aim is to implement effective strategies that adapt to changing climate conditions and promote sustainable practices. The collaborative efforts showcased in the Youth Post COP29 Dialogue reflect a commitment to addressing these challenges and advancing Liberia’s role in global climate action.

Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com