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报告摘要

Summary of the Document on Climate Change and Monetary Policy in Liberia

Core Content

This document provides an in-depth analysis of climate change challenges and policy responses in Liberia, as well as an overview of its monetary policy and de-dollarization efforts. It is prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team and outlines the current state of climate change in the country, its institutional framework, and the need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies. The document also touches on Liberia's economic growth and the role of climate change in shaping its development trajectory.

Main Issues and Policy Priorities

A. Climate Change in Liberia

Climate change is a global challenge with increasing impacts on lives, livelihoods, and economies worldwide.
Liberia's climate change is expected to be multidimensional, including rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and sea level rise.
Temperatures are projected to rise more than the global average, reaching up to 30°C by 2080–2100 in less optimistic scenarios.
Heavy rainfall and flooding are likely to increase, threatening infrastructure and sanitation systems.
Sea level rise is a major threat, with 60% of the population living in coastal areas and coastal flooding and erosion expected to worsen.

B. Impact of Climate Change in Liberia

Liberia is highly vulnerable to climate change and ranked 174th out of 182 countries in the ND-GAIN Index, which measures vulnerability and readiness for adaptation.
Key vulnerable sectors include health, human habitat, and food, with scores of 0.755, 0.686, and 0.633, respectively.
Agriculture, which accounts for one-third of the economy, is especially vulnerable due to low productivity, high dependence on food imports, and climate-sensitive crops like rice, cocoa, and rubber.
Fisheries are critical for food security, but rising temperatures and contamination may reduce fish populations.
Water resources are abundant, but sanitation systems are underdeveloped, risking water quality and public health.
Poverty and inequality are exacerbated by climate impacts, with 51% of the population living in poverty as of 2021.

C. Climate Change Institutions in Liberia

The National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC) is the supreme body for coordinating climate change policy and activities.
The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), housed in the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), supports the NCCSC.
The EPA serves as Liberia's Designated National Authority under the UNFCCC, and collaborates with several government departments to implement climate policies and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

D. Liberia's Climate Policy

The National Policy and Response Strategy on Climate Change (NPRSCC) of 2018 is a comprehensive document covering both mitigation and adaptation.
It is based on 27 existing national policy and strategy documents, including the Initial National Communication (INC) and NDC.
The Action Plan for implementing NPRSCC is estimated to cost US$2 billion, with US$700 million allocated to adaptation and US$1,072 million to mitigation.
Mitigation efforts focus on reducing emissions in transport and energy sectors, and preserving the rainforest.
Adaptation includes coastal defense systems, improved climate monitoring, and sustainable farming practices.

E. Liberia's Mitigation Policy

Liberia is a net carbon sink, absorbing more CO2 than it emits.
It has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64% below business-as-usual levels by 2030, with 10% unconditional and 54% conditional reductions.
Forest conservation and reforestation are key mitigation strategies, supported by LiberTrace with funding from DFID and the EU.
Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and waste management are also emphasized as mitigation measures.

F. Liberia's Adaptation Strategy

The National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), developed in 2008, outlines urgent adaptation needs.
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP), updated in 2022, focuses on information accessibility and capacity building.
Priority projects include Integrated Crop/Livestock Farming, climate monitoring, and coastal zone management.
Barriers to adaptation include financial constraints, lack of awareness, limited technical expertise, legal and regulatory gaps, and lack of political will.

G. Climate Change Policy Priorities

Liberia should prioritize adaptation over mitigation, given its low emission levels and high vulnerability.
Adaptation measures should focus on coastal protection, sanitation systems, and disaster preparedness.
Climate finance is essential, and transparency and governance are required to unlock international support.
Dual-purpose measures, such as improving electricity access, can be cost-effective and beneficial for both climate and development goals.

Key Information

ND-GAIN Score: Liberia ranks 174th globally, with high vulnerability and low readiness.
Climate Action Costs: The Action Plan costs US$2 billion, with US$700 million allocated to adaptation and US$1,072 million to mitigation.
Priority Projects: Includes Integrated Crop/Livestock Farming, Improved Climate Monitoring, and Coastal Defense Systems.
Barriers to Climate Action: Financial, informational, technical, legal, and political.
International Support: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved two projects to support adaptation, including the Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project and the Enhancing Climate Information Systems project.
Mitigation Commitments: Liberia aims to reduce emissions by 64% by 2030, focusing on forest preservation and energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Liberia faces significant climate change challenges due to its high vulnerability and low readiness. While it has established climate institutions and policy frameworks, implementation remains limited due to financial, technical, and political barriers. The need for adaptation is urgent, and international support is critical to address these challenges. Mitigation efforts, although important, should not overshadow the immediate need for adaptation. A stronger institutional framework, enhanced awareness, and greater political will are necessary to ensure the effective implementation of climate change policies.