Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency, has called on affluent nations to enhance their climate change mitigation efforts, labeling the $300 billion climate finance pledge announced during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as “far too little.”

In an interview with BBC Newsday following the conference, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo underscored the importance of equitable climate financing to assist countries like Liberia, which play a pivotal role in global solutions yet bear the brunt of climate change’s adverse effects.

While acknowledging the $300 billion pledge as a positive development, he asserted that it falls significantly short of the estimated $1.3 trillion necessary to effectively tackle the climate crisis.

“To agree on $300 billion, I extend my gratitude to the organizers, but let me be clear: $300 billion is insufficient to confront the gravity of the situation,” he stated.
Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil, where discussions will continue, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo expressed hope for more robust commitments.

He pointed out Liberia’s critical role in global climate mitigation, highlighting that the country is home to over 40% of West Africa’s remaining forests, which serve as essential carbon sinks. However, he lamented the imbalance between Liberia’s contributions and its limited resources to adapt to climate impacts.

“Our forests benefit the world, yet our people remain impoverished. We lack the means to adapt as wealthier nations can,” he noted. Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo clarified that Liberia’s appeal is not for sympathy, but rather for acknowledgment and targeted support for its significant contributions to climate action.

“We have valuable assets to offer. Liberia’s forests and biodiversity are vital. Those most responsible for the crisis must step up and assume their responsibilities,” he affirmed.

During COP29, the outgoing president issued a stark warning about the current trajectory of climate trends, predicting a potential 3-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures—a scenario that could have devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable nations like Liberia.

Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo mentioned Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, a five-year sustainable development plan that includes a transition to renewable energy. However, he emphasized the financial barriers associated with renewable energy adoption, reaffirming the need for increased support from wealthier nations.

“We aspire to transition to renewable energy, but the costs are prohibitive. Continuing reliance on fossil fuels is untenable. This is why we are calling for assistance from affluent countries,” he explained.

Additionally, he highlighted potential funding opportunities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which pertains to carbon trading, to support Liberia’s climate initiatives.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to championing climate justice, urging developed nations to honor their financial obligations and take accountability for their roles in the climate crisis. “We must persist in advocating for our communities, as the impacts of climate change continue to escalate,” he concluded.