Liberia’s Climate Commitment Faces Financial Hurdle
Liberia’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution, submitted in 2025, is one of the most progressive climate roadmaps in West Africa, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2035. However, the country’s climate ambitions are hindered by a significant financial gap, as it lacks a finalized financial plan to implement its climate commitments.
The need for urgent action is evident in the country’s worsening climate-related disasters, including unusual rainfall patterns and flooding. Liberia’s traditional six-month seasonal split has become increasingly unpredictable, with heavy rains and strong winds occurring during the dry season. The country’s lack of a modern early warning system exacerbates the crisis, leaving communities vulnerable to flooding and farmers uncertain about planting schedules.
Artur Becker, Director of the Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements at Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledges the challenge. “We don’t have a fixed cost for the NDC,” he admits, emphasizing the need for international support to determine the practical costs of implementing the country’s climate commitments.
Initial estimates suggest that successful implementation will require approximately $2.7 billion USD between now and 2035. To bridge this financial gap, the government is initiating conversations with international partners, including the United Nations Environment Program and the United Nations Development Programme, to secure technical support and funding.
Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contribution outlines ambitious plans to increase on-grid renewable energy, reduce deforestation, and promote low-emissions agriculture. The country has also developed a National Adaptation Plan, which aims to build resilience and ensure sustainable development. However, both plans face significant funding challenges, with the government relying on international support to address its adaptation needs.
Despite these challenges, Liberia has made progress in implementing climate-related projects, including a $20.4 million coastal protection project and a climate information systems project. These initiatives demonstrate the country’s commitment to climate action and serve as a foundation for future adaptation efforts.
As Liberia navigates the complexities of climate finance, the country must balance its internal priorities with external support. The World Bank has identified significant climate threats to Liberia, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, which pose a direct threat to agriculture, food security, and public health. To address these challenges, Liberia must prioritize investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable land management, and strengthen human development.
Ultimately, Liberia’s ability to translate its climate commitments into action will depend on its ability to secure funding and develop a comprehensive financial plan. As the country moves forward, it must prioritize transparency and accountability, setting up an effective monitoring, reporting, and verification system to track progress and ensure that climate finance is used effectively.
