Liberia

Liberia joined the CCAC in 2014 to step up its ambition to combat short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), especially in the waste, household energy and cooling sectors. 
 

The West African country of Liberia is situated between latitudes 4°18` and 8°30` north and longitudes 7°30` and 11°30` west of the equator. On the south of Liberia is the Atlantic Ocean, making it a coastal country that faces ever-greater impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme flooding during the rainy season. Recent report from the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) in 2022 ranks Liberia 177th in terms of climate change vulnerability, and 165th in terms of readiness. This means the country is one of the most vulnerable countries and has least capacities in terms of readiness to address the threat of climate change. 

Given the size of its impact, climate change will profoundly affect the Liberian society and the country's macroeconomic performance. Liberia is a least developed country, with an estimated decline in GDP growth from 4.8% in 2022 to 4.5% in 2023. Despite these, the country has demonstrated a high commitment to build resilience to climate change and contribute to the overall Paris goal. Liberia joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) in 2014 to accelerate its ambition to combat SLCPs, with the goal of achieving the co-benefits that come with reducing SLCPs from multiple sectors. 

Since joining the CCAC, Liberia has benefited from a series of events supported by the coalition and other partners to help tackle the menace of SLCP and help reverse these trends with actions to address the country's main SLCP emission sources. Liberia conducted an SLCP inventory assessment with support from the CCAC and the Stockholm Environment Institute under the institutional strengthening support project in 2020. 

As a member of the Coalition's SNAP Initiative, the CCAC and the Stockholm Environment Institute worked with the Liberian Government to train stakeholders on the Long Range Energy Alternatives Planning System and its Integrated Benefits Calculator, or LEAP-IBC. This integrated modelling and scenario planning tool helps state partners assess sectors and actions that have the most mitigation potential and the greatest climate, clean air, and development benefits. The data was crucial for updating Liberia's ambitious NDC 2.0 in 2021, which commits to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 64% below the projected business-as-usual level by 2030. The revised NDCs reflect increased ambition in terms of strengthened targets, accelerated timelines, or a broader scope covering additional sectors or greenhouse gases, including SLCPs. 

Liberia was one of the earliest countries to join the Global Methane Alliance, and the coalition is supporting the development of Liberia's methane roadmap and a waste sector strategy to reduce black carbon from open burning. The coalition board has also approved project proposals for funding under the CCAC trust fund that will see the implementation of projects in household energy and the heavy-duty and vehicle sectors in Liberia by the end of 2025. 

Liberia ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in November 2002. As a non-Annex I party to the UNFCCC, the country prepared and submitted its National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) in 2008 to the UNFCCC, followed by its Initial National Communication in 2012. In 2018, the country ratified the Paris Agreement and pledged its mitigation objectives in several sectors in its nationally determined contribution. In 202o, Liberia submitted its Biennial Update Report (BUR) with GHG and SLCP emission inventories. In 2020, Gauss International Consultants conducted an SLCP assessment of other SLCPs not captured in the national inventory through the UNDP Climate Promise program.

Institutional Arrangements 

Liberia has also established an institutional framework consisting of institutions and several national networks, platforms, programs, and groups for climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the designated national authority for the UNFCCC and the lead institution for climate change coordination.

Additionally, the government, through the office of the president, established the National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC) in 2010 to enhance coordination and oversight in the implementation of climate change policies and related activities. The NCCSC is a 16-member high-level policy coordination and oversight committee headed by the Office of the President of the Republic of Liberia and chaired by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning. It relies on expert advice from its technical working groups.

In the institutional framework are several national networks, platforms, programs, and groups set up by the government with the support of international partners to increase awareness and resilience to climate change. These include the Climate Change Knowledge Sharing Platform (CCKSP) of Liberia, the Environmental Knowledge Management System (EKMS), and other information-sharing groups, networks, and programs.

 
Cross-Cutting Policies 

In terms of sectorial laws and policies to address climate change and SLCPs, the National Environmental Policy of 2002 was the first policy document to be adopted by the country to address environmental issues. The policy ordered the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure sound environmental management and put in place measures to avoid irreparable damage to the country's natural resources. Since then, several policies and laws have been implemented in multiple stages to ensure effective environmental governance. The push for enhanced efforts to tackle environmental issues has been complemented by the development of numerous policies and acts, demonstrating commitment from the government and private sector to support the fight against climate change and SLCP emissions. See more under each sector. 

In 2003, Liberia developed the  Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML). The EPML is a legal framework used by the Environment Protection Agency in partnership with regulated Ministries and organizations and in a close and responsive relationship with the people of Liberia for the sustainable development, management, and protection of the environment and to provide high-quality information and advice on the state of the environment and for matters connected therewith.

In 2009, Liberia developed the Liberia National Gender Policy (NGP) to demonstrate the government's political will to eliminate all forms of gender-based discrimination in order to achieve gender equality. It serves as a framework for mainstreaming gender and empowering women and vulnerable groups in the national development and environmental processes.

In 2012, Liberia developed the Liberia National Vision 2030 to formulate a shared, long-term national and global vision for Liberia. The vision's stated 'building blocks' are economic prosperity, social and demographic harmony, democracy, environmental protection, cultural vibrancy, and technological innovation.

In 2018, Liberia developed the National Climate Change Policy and Response. This strategy articulates the government's visions and aspirations to establish a framework through which concrete actions are directed towards addressing climate change issues across the country. It also sets a bold mandate and strategy for the government's engagement with local and international stakeholders and partners, as well as drives the opening of funding windows that would address issues related to climate change and the environment.

In 2020, Liberia developed the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The NAP established a nationally coordinated approach for the medium and long-term adaptation to climate (2020-2030). It originated from the National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) developed in 2008.

In 2021, Liberia developed its First Adaptation Communication. This document highlights Liberia's adaptation priorities, implementation and support needs, recent adaptation actions, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of adaptation action, and plans and goals for the country's key adaptation sectors, including the Agriculture and energy sectors.

In 2021, Liberia developed its Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 2.0). Liberia's Second NDC to the UNFCCC sets adaptation and mitigation targets, measures, prospective initiatives, and efforts to be undertaken in the country to address GHG emissions, including SLCP and climate change.

Recently, in 2024, the Government of Liberia, through its president, launched the initiative for the formal processes leading to the development of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). The agenda is expected to build from the Unity party government platform, which has five pillars, with pillar two focusing on Health, WASH, Environment & Climate Change. In the ARREST agenda, agriculture is expected to be one of the investment priority areas, with plans for improved policy and regulatory frameworks to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce emissions from the sector.

Energy Sector

In 2009, Liberia developed the National Energy Policy (NEP) with the objective to ensure universal access to modern energy services in an affordable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner in order to foster the economic, political, and social development of Liberia. 

In 2010, the government released Executive Order #23 to strengthen efforts to reduce the emission of GHG from the energy sector, establishing the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) and the Rural Energy Fund, with a commitment to fund commercial development and supply of modern energy services to rural areas. It focuses on renewable energy sources that are locally available and commits to using only biomass and other energy sources that do not contribute to food insecurity, deforestation and GHG emissions. The RREA promotes the commercial development and supply of modern energy products and services to rural areas through the private sector and community initiatives, thereby enhancing efforts on GHG reduction.

In 2015, the 1973 Electricity Act, which established the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) as the only national grid company, was amended to also establish the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) as an independent regulatory authority to license and set cost-reflective tariffs. The Act also initiated the establishment of the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) and the Rural Energy Fund (REF). It also suggested the need to develop the Rural Energy Master Plan to promote renewable energy technologies as a major tool and development program to achieve universal energy access in Liberia.

In 2016, Liberia developed the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) to implement efficiency measures that free up 1,054 MW of power generation capacity by 2030. At an average of 53 MW per year, phase out inefficient incandescent lamps by 2018 and reduce average losses in electricity distribution from the current levels of 28-40% to the world level of 10% by 2024. 

In 2016, the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP) was launched to increase energy access by providing reliable and affordable electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developing the human and institutional capacity at LEC, RREA, MME, and EPA through professional training activities and providing logistics for effective operation.

In 2019, Liberia participated in Phase III of the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) within the framework of the UNFCCC. Through country-driven participatory processes, it identified technologies for mitigation aimed at reducing GHG emissions, including SLCPs. The assessment identified the following technologies in the energy sector in order of their priority: Solar Home PV Systems, Solar PV Grid-tied Systems, Small Hydropower, Improved clean cookstoves, Solar dryers, Briquette Production, Solar Lantern, Biodiesel, Biogas Digester, Methane Capture from Landfill.

In 2020, the Village Improvement Project, Inc. program was launched to replace the three-stone open-fire cooking method with improved cookstoves for rural village communities in Liberia. The project aims to design and produce cleaner burning stoves to reduce household air pollution for 98% of the rural population who use solid fuels for cooking.

In 2022, Liberia embarked on the "Promoting Improved Cook Stoves" project to develop and distribute clean cookstoves that meet specific standards for efficiency and emissions. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on traditional cooking methods that contribute to indoor air pollution.

In 2024, the executive branch issued Executive Order #134, which suspends tariffs on off-grid solar renewable energy products. Building upon Executive Order #107, which previously implemented a similar suspension of tariffs on these products, this Executive Order outlines the suspension of import tariffs on off-grid solar lighting appliances, equipment, and system components, as well as other systems related to renewable energy development classified under specific Tariff Numbers in the Liberia Revenue Code. The issuance of this new Executive Order reflects the government's ongoing dedication to advancing Liberia's renewable energy sector.

Waste and Agriculture Sectors 

Liberia currently does not have an overarching legal framework for solid waste management, and a stand-alone policy or strategy does not govern the sector. However, specific sectors of the Act creating the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), the Environment Protection and Management Law of the Republic of Liberia, as well as the National Environmental Policy of the Republic of Liberia give policy the EPA regulatory jurisdiction over the sector. 

In 2014, Liberia developed the Food and Agricultural Policy and Strategy. This policy aims to move agricultural production from subsistence to sufficiency to meet the national demand for staple foods and livestock and reduce GHG emissions reduction from the sector. 

In 2018, Liberia developed the Liberia Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (LASIP). The LASIP identifies priority areas from which investment projects align with national objectives. The program is a public-private partnership (PPP) in which the private sector will spearhead investment growth for the export sectors. In contrast, the public sector will concentrate on promoting small farmer growth and development. The second generation of the Liberia Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (LASIP II, 2018 - 2023) is the government's commitment to diversify the economy and give priority to agriculture. LASIP II supports critical value chains such as rice, rubber, cassava, and livestock. 

In 2021, Liberia signed the Global Methane Pledge to support the collective effort to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030. The country has set a target to reduce GHG emissions, including methane, from the waste sector by 7.6% and from the agriculture sector by 49% below BAU levels by 2030. In 2023, Liberia also began studying the feasibility of assessing the potential recovery of landfill gas from the Whein Town landfill and the impending Cheesemanburg landfill in an effort to mitigate methane emissions. 

In 2023, Liberia began the development of a methane roadmap that will implement practices aimed at improving livestock management and promoting sustainable agricultural techniques as well as improving waste management practices, including enhancing recycling efforts and promoting composting to minimise organic waste in landfills for the reduction of methane emissions. 

In 2023, Liberia mobilised funds from the World Bank through the Liberia Urban Resilient Project to construct a landfill with technologies for landfill gas capture and utilisation. In 2025, a waste sector strategy to reduce the emission of black carbon from open burning is expected to be developed.

Transport Sector
 

In 2012, Liberia developed the National Transport Master Plan (NTMP) with the primary objectives to boost accessibility and connectivity for Liberia's socio-economic growth and development. It addresses multiple sustainable development objectives such as GHG emissions reduction, health, and environmental sustainability.
In 2013, the government, pursuant to the Revenue Code of Liberia Act of 2000, as amended in 2011, placed a restriction on the importation of used motor vehicles more than 10 years old, whether intended for the transport of passengers or goods or for private or commercial use.

In 2018, the Transport Policy and Strategy (NTPS), which was developed and approved in 2008, was updated to focus on enhancing accessibility and connectivity for the socio-economic growth and development of Liberia. 

In 2020, Liberia was among the ministerial delegations from ECOWAS that adopted a regional standard on imported gasoline and diesel. The regional standard mandates domestically produced fuels to have an emission standard of Euro 4/IV, an age limit of 5-10 years, beginning 2025, and urges member states to transition and align with specified age limits on imported vehicles over a 10-year period. 

In 2025, Liberia is looking to develop national sulfur fuel standards and enhance the capacity to enforce mandatory vehicle inspection in Heavy-duty vehicles and engines. This initiative is sponsored by the CCAC and seeks to develop national sulfur fuel standards and build capacity to implement mandatory vehicle inspections. The project will deliver a compulsory vehicle inspection program, implement a vehicle labeling system to register SLCP emissions and establish a national sulfur fuel standard for heavy-duty vehicles and engines.

Cooling Sector

 

In 1996, Liberia became a signatory Party to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer and has ratified all of the amendments of the Convention as follows: the London and Copenhagen Amendments, 1st January 1996, the Beijing and Montreal Amendments; 30th August 2004. 

In 2004, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) was created and is seated within the Environmental Protection Agency. The Unit is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and enforcement of laws and policies related to the protection of the ozone layer in Liberia. 

In 2004, the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulations were promulgated to control the imports of ODS and ODS-related equipment. In 2010, the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulations were revised, banning the import and use of CFCs and other potent ozone-depleting substances and considering the control of HCFCs and related equipment. 

In 2017, Liberia conducted its ODS alternatives survey in response to decision XXXVI/9 of the Montreal Protocol to better understand  consumption trends for non-ODS alternatives, identify alternatives that could be potentially used in the future to replace HCFCs and HFCs, forecast the amounts of each ODS alternative currently used in the country for the period 2015-2030.

In 2020, Liberia ratified the Kigali Amendment and began the implementation of the Kigali Implementation Plan. Under the phases of the KIP, the Government of Liberia has committed to an accelerated HFC phase-down with the target of reducing consumption of HFCs to 34 percent lower than the estimated revised baseline in 2025 and 2026, and 36 percent, 38 percent, and 40 percent lower than the estimated revised baseline respectively by 2027, 2028 and 2029. 

In 2021, Liberia adopted from the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for power-generation equipment, appliances and lighting devices; standards for appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, electric water heaters, fans, transformers, power consumption meters, etc.; and energy efficiency labels for electrical-power-generation equipment, electronic equipment, and other appliances that consume electric power. Liberia is looking to domesticate these standards and effectively implement them through support from the CCAC.

In 2024, Liberia began the implementation of its HFC licensing and quota system. Currently, the country is issuing quotas to companies that come forward requesting permits while ensuring that the maximum allowable consumption is not exceeded. 
Furthermore, the country is looking to Integrate HCFC and HFC consumption and emissions assessments into the 2025 NDC update with support from the CCAC.
Liberia remains committed to promote the use of green technology reduce the emission of climate pollutants and safeguard the environment for this and successive generations.