In the small coastal communities of Goderich and Tombo, Sierra Leone, fishermen watch in dismay as the sea slowly but steadily claims more of their land each year. What used to be a gradual rise in water levels has now accelerated, leaving homes and livelihoods submerged. For these communities, climate change is not an abstract concept—it’s a daily reality. The rising tides are eroding not just their coastlines but their sense of security and way of life.
Sierra Leone, despite contributing less than 0.03% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. The country, rich in biodiversity and natural resources, now faces some of the most severe climate impacts globally. Recent studies rank Sierra Leone as the third most vulnerable nation to climate change, behind Bangladesh and Guinea-Bissau. Unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and coastal erosion have devastated communities. The tragic 2017 landslide, which claimed over 1,000 lives in Freetown, is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to climate disasters. As many mourn the loss of loved ones, they continue to grapple with the fact that they are living on the frontlines of a global crisis they played little part in creating.
While catastrophic events like floods and landslides dominate headlines, there’s another quieter battle being fought by farmers across Sierra Leone. The increasingly erratic rainfall has upended traditional farming practices, leading to reduced crop yields and heightened food insecurity. Farmers who once knew when to plant and harvest now find themselves at the mercy of unpredictable weather patterns, struggling to feed their families.
In response to these challenges, the Government of Sierra Leone has taken bold steps to adapt to climate change. The revised National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), updated in 2021, aims to equip communities like Goderich and Tombo with the tools to adapt. Among its key strategies is promoting climate-smart agriculture, which encourages farmers to plant drought-resistant crops and conserve water through small dams. These measures offer some relief, but more support is needed to scale these efforts.
The NCCP also emphasizes the importance of protecting Sierra Leone’s rich forests, which act as natural barriers against floods and landslides. Reforestation projects have been established across the country, with local communities playing an essential role in their success. In the Gola Forest Reserve, rangers patrol vast areas to prevent illegal logging while nurturing new growth that can help shield communities from future disasters.
While adaptation is crucial, Sierra Leone is also focused on mitigating future climate risks. The government is pushing for more renewable energy sources to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Small-scale solar farms are being set up in remote villages, bringing electricity to areas that have never had it before while reducing carbon emissions. This shift represents hope for communities as they look to secure a future where their children won’t have to face the same climate struggles.
Sierra Leone’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, even though it contributes minimally to global emissions, is commendable. The country’s focus on sustainable forest management and increasing renewable energy use is critical for achieving both climate and development goals. Through international collaborations and financial support, Sierra Leone is gaining the resources necessary to implement these strategies.
Sand miners shovel sand into a truck on John Obey beach in Sierra Leone on December 24, 2021. Photo by Peter Yeung for The Times
But global efforts are equally important. As the country continues its battle against climate change, many in Sierra Leone echo the sentiment: “We are doing what we can, but we need the world to act too.” The climate crisis is a global issue that requires collective responsibility. Sierra Leone’s climate fight isn’t just about policy or international agreements—it’s about the people who are adjusting to a new normal while fighting to preserve their way of life. Their resilience offers hope amid uncertainty, but this hope must be backed by meaningful global action.
By pursuing a low-carbon growth path and strengthening adaptation measures, Sierra Leone seeks to ensure a future where economic development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Continued commitment, both domestically and from international partners, will be essential to safeguard the country against the worst impacts of climate change.