22/08/2024
Sierra Leone Faces Severe Climate Change Challenges, Community Stakeholders Report
Freetown, Sierra Leone — As climate change continues to wreak havoc globally, the impacts are seriously felt in Sierra Leone, where local communities attribute worsening environmental conditions to rampant deforestation and poor land management practices. My Recent visits to communities along the Freetown peninsula, such as Tombo and John Obey, revealed a troubling narrative of degradation and its implications on the environment and their livelihoods.
Community stakeholders voiced their concerns over the rampant cutting of trees, which they say has resulted in dire consequences for their livelihoods and the environment. One stakeholder from John Obey emphasized, “We now experience excessive sunlight, and the trees that used to shield the earth from direct rays have been removed, leading to drying water catchment areas and the deaths of animals that are vital to our ecosystem.”
Community people highlighted that the removal of trees has contributed significantly to the drying up of water bodies, directly affecting them to access clean water for domestic use. “Without pure water in our environment, we face serious health implications,” another stakeholder continue urging that for every tree cut down, several should be planted to rejuvenate their natural resources.
Farmers in the Tombo community have also be affected by the brunt of climate change. A community member pointed out that tree removal on the hillsides leads to soil erosion, as heavy rains wash away topsoil and debris onto their farms. “Trees help to prevent heavy rainfall from directly impacting the earth's surface. Without them, our land becomes barren, and our yields have dwindled,” she explained.
An Environmental expert Jusu Momoh Lusenie from Shout Climate Change Africa reported alarming predictions for the future. “If the government of Sierra Leone does not take appropriate actions, the effects of climate change will be more devastating than what communities like John Obey and Tombo have already experienced. The significant rise in temperature and absence of vegetation signal potential disasters,” he warned.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkela, who chairs the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, echoed these concerns, stating that the government must hold village heads accountable for environmental negligence. “Preserving forests is crucial for water supply, especially within Freetown. We are seeing small streams dry up and the Guma Dam affected due to continuous deforestation,” he noted.
Dr. Yumkela also highlighted ongoing government efforts to combat this crisis, mentioning alternative cooking solutions as a key strategy since many households depend heavily on firewood and charcoal. “We need a coordinated approach involving various government sectors, including the police and the Ministry of Environment, to ensure sustainable practices are adopted,” he added.
In a resounding call to action, Dr. Yumkela urged Sierra Leoneans to cease tree cutting, emphasizing that collective efforts are vital in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and preserving the environment.
As communities in Sierra Leone grapple with the realities of climate change, the message is clear: immediate action is necessary to safeguard their future and restore the essential balance of their ecosystems.