Environment and Climate Reporting

New Narratives supports dozens of investigations into extractives industries and climate, land and water justice in West Africa each year. We shine a spotlight on the impacts on real people here on the frontlines of climate change. In Ghana our work has focused on the dramatic impacts of air pollution. In Liberia and Sierra Leone we have shone a spotlight on mining and oil industries as well as climate justice. We have highlighted the work of changemakers and supported the work of civil society organizations bringing transparency to these crucial sectors. See some of our work here. We thank our donors – the Clean Air Fund, American Jewish World Service, the Swedish and US embassies in Liberia, and German Development Cooperation – for supporting this work.

Liberia: Monrovia’s Citizens Beg for Quiet as Environment Protection Authority Promises Crackdown on Noise Pollution

By Aria Deemie, environmental reporter with New Narratives At 3 a.m. Richedna Kpanneh Tobii finally opened her books. The 21-year-old university student had learned that her densely populated neighborhood of Lakpazee, with more than 160,000 people, was only quiet enough for her to study in the middle of the night. Video clubs blasted matches past midnight….

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

Liberia Unveils Emissions Reduction Plan: Targets 44 percent Cut by 2030

By Joyclyn Wea, senior correspondent with New Narratives Summary: Liberia has approved its third Nationally Determined Contribution committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan, unveiled by Boakai government officials at a validation event with international partners and stakeholders at the Monrovia City Hall…

Joyclyn Wea
Frontpage Africa

Liberia: As Climate Change Drives More Farmers Into the Forests Ambitious Boakai Forestry Sector Reform Is Yet to Help Local Communities

By Eric Opa Doue with New Narratives KANGBO TOWN, River Cess— On a hot morning in this forest-fringed village of Gborgar Town deep in south-central Liberia, Marthaline Gbar sits hunched outside her zinc-roofed home, stirring a pot of simmering cassava leaves. The pot, barely half full, was meant to stretch across four children aged 5…

Eric Opa Doue
Frontpage Africa

Weekend Surges Threaten Sinkor Properties as Coastal Erosion Crisis Deepens

Joyclyn Wea with New Narratives Summary · Ocean surges destroy fences along Liberia’s Sinkor coastline, with UN projections warning that 230,000 Liberians face losing their homes to rising seas by 2100 · Stark inequality emerges as former President George Weah’s residence stands protected by boulder barriers while neighboring properties are unprotected · Critical infrastructure is…

Joyclyn Wea
Frontpage Africa

Liberia’s New Tourism Authority Wants a Piece of West Africa’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Sector But Challenges Abound 

By Aria Deemie and Jake Duffy with New Narratives Summary: PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – On a warm Saturday afternoon, Chris Onanuga, Liberia’s newly appointed presidential envoy for tourism, mingles with young people at a recreation day in Voka Mission. Some kick a football; others seek shade beneath sprawling trees. To Onanuga, the scene is something more…

Aria Deemie and Jake Duffy
Front Page Africa

Lonestar Cell Sues EPA Over Noise Fine, Agency Confirms

By Aria Deemie, Environment Reporter New Narratives Summary: Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency said it is facing a legal challenge after telecom company Lonestar Cell filed a lawsuit contesting a $US15,000 fine for noise pollution at its Congo Town facility. The case, filed on May 27, is currently before the Civil Law Court in Monrovia. According…

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

Experts Say Liberia’s New Environment Lab Could Slash Pollution if the Government Matches it With Enforcement

By Aria Deemie, climate change reporter New Narratives Summary: Experts say Liberia’s new fully equipped environmental laboratory is a breakthrough that could transform how the country tackles pollution. The laboratory, launched last month by the Environmental Protection Agency, will allow EPA technicians to conduct forensic testing on air, water, and soil samples, allowing them to…

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

Experts Say Liberia’s Security Council Seat Could Strengthen Push for Climate Security, as U.N. High Court Issues Landmark Ruling

Summary: By Aria Deemie, climate change reporter with New Narratives In a historic ruling, the United Nations’ highest court has declared that countries have a legal duty to act on climate change, a decision advocates say could reshape global climate diplomacy. The ruling comes as Liberia regains a seat on the U.N. Security Council for…

Aria Deemie
Front Page Africa

Climate Change Is Making Life Harder For All Farmers – For Ghana’s Farmers With Disabilities It Can Mean Devastation

By Jennifer Ambolley Summary: By Jennifer Ambolley BALUNGO, Upper East Region –Asoke Douglas Aganawini rises with the sun each day in this remote community in the far northern part of the country. Climate change has pummeled farmers here with unpredictable rainfall and higher temperatures. But for Asoke it’s been particularly hard. The 45-year-old began losing…

Jennifer Ambolley
The Chronicle