Liberia Commits to Climate Action: Deputy Minister Brunson Leads Charge
In a significant move towards addressing the impacts of climate change, Hon. Tanneh Brunson, Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Budget, affirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to climate-related interventions through a transformative paradigm shift.
Speaking at the launch of the Liberia Country Climate Development Report, organized by the World Bank Group, Hon. Brunson underscored the urgency of integrating climate considerations into development planning and budgeting processes.
Hon. Brunson emphasized the practical actions needed to combat climate change, including the development of County Development Agendas (CDAs) aimed at integrating climate-smart and sensitive initiatives across all fifteen counties.
These initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the New National Development Plan from 2025-2029, fostering resilience and sustainability at both local and national levels.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of mainstreaming climate considerations in development planning to enhance early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and disaster response mechanisms nationwide.
Initiatives such as climate finance preparation and policy framework development are crucial for facilitating investments in health, sanitation, and sustainable forestry management, ultimately reducing solid waste and mitigating health-related risks.
In line with these efforts, the Liberian government is actively engaging with development partners to establish a dedicated climate change finance office within the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
This office will play a central role in coordinating climate finance initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and driving transformative change across sectors.
Echoing Hon. Brunson’s sentiments, Mr. Robert R. Taliercio, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to partnering with the Liberian government to address critical challenges outlined in the report.
From land management and forestry to infrastructure development and carbon capture, collaborative efforts are essential for Liberia’s sustainable development and resilience against climate change.
The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated, as highlighted by the report’s analysis, which warns of a rise in poverty and the likelihood of national calamities if decisive action is not taken.
As Liberia navigates its development trajectory, climate change poses a formidable threat to its peace, prosperity, and long-term sustainability.
By embracing climate-smart policies and fostering partnerships for resilience-building, Liberia aims to chart a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.
