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.

Explainer: What Is Climate Change?

By Aria Deemie, climate change reporter with New Narratives  Climate change is no distant threat lurking beyond our shores—it is here, reshaping the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people across Liberia and West Africa with every rising tide and failing harvest. Rainy seasons arrive late, flooding becomes more frequent, sea levels continue to rise, and homes…

Aria Deemie
Front Page Africa

New Climate Finance Commitments Offer Hope, Uncertainty for Liberians

By Aria Deemie climate change reporter with New Narratives Summary: The 30th annual summit of world nations committed to slowing climate change, known as the Conference of the Parties, concluded last week with countries pledging a range of actions to slow global warming and help vulnerable countries adapt. Leaders at the summit, held in Belém,…

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

Experts Warn Deaths From Extreme Heat Are Growing as New Report Finds Last Year Was Hottest on Record

By Aria Deemie, climate change reporter with New Narratives Summary: · Monrovia experienced its hottest dry season on record in 2024. Climate models predict the city could face up to 118 additional hot days annually by mid-century. ·  Experts warn prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and pregnancy complications,…

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

Video: Experts Warn Deaths From Extreme Heat Are Growing as New Report Finds Last Year Was Hottest on Record

Experts warn that extreme heat is not just uncomfortable but deadly, with the world’s hottest recorded year driving up heat-related deaths as people in Liberia and beyond face soaring temperatures, increased exhaustion, dehydration, and serious health risks that hit the most vulnerable hardest and underscore a growing climate crisis with real human costs. Aria Deemie…

Aria Deemie
FrontPage Africa

Liberia Looks to New Climate Change Adaptation Fund for Forested Nations But Experts Warn It Faces Major Challenges Meeting Requirements

By Aria Deemie, climate and environment reporter with New Narratives Summary World leaders at the 30th Conference of the Parties, the annual meeting of countries coordinating to halt climate change, formally launched the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a new global fund with US$5.5 billion in initial support, designed to reward countries that keep their forests…

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

Video: At Global Climate Summit, Government Pushes Ambitious Climate Goals as US Withdrawal Clouds Progress

Liberia is stepping forward with ambitious climate commitments at the 30th UN Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, pushing to cut emissions by 64% by 2035 while advancing its Vision 2030 development agenda. But progress is being challenged by shifting global politics, including the U.S. withdrawal from key climate commitments, raising concerns about reduced international support….

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

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

Residents of Monrovia are calling for relief from constant noise caused by loud music, generators, and street activities that disrupt sleep, learning, and everyday life. Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency says it will intensify enforcement efforts to curb noise pollution, raising hopes for stronger action to protect public health and community well-being. Aria Deemie reports in…

Aria Deemie
Frontpage Africa

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

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