AEW to Hold 5th International Annual Environmental Confab -Spotlight to be on Impact of Global Emissions on Africa

MONROVIA – Africa Environmental Watch (AEW), formerly known as Liberia Environmental Watch (LEW), has announced holding its 5th International Annual Environmental Conference on November 9th, 2024.

An AEW release said the event, which will take place at 3972 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, under the theme, “Climate Justice and African Resilience,” will focus on the urgent need to address the disproportionate impacts of global emissions on Africa.

The environmental advocacy group observed that despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the African continent is bearing more than 85% of the “loss and damage” highlighted in COP28 reports.

These impacts include devastating flooding, prolonged droughts, food insecurity, water scarcity, and the spread of diseases, all of which pose significant challenges to African communities.

Accordingly, the conference is expected to bring together experts, policymakers, environmental advocates, and leaders from across the globe to discuss these pressing issues and explore effective solutions.

A key outcome anticipated from this event is the presentation of AEW’s proposal for the creation of a Climate Change Research Institute (CCRI), which will serve as a hub for addressing the climate crisis in Africa and beyond for sound policy making.

One of the most vulnerable regions to climate change is the Mano River Union (MRU), comprising Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.

With heavy reliance on agriculture and natural resources, combined with weak infrastructure, the MRU faces a range of environmental challenges that threaten both its economic stability and the livelihoods of millions of people.

Establishing a CCRI in this region is crucial to building resilience, implementing effective climate adaptation strategies, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

AEW says it remains at the forefront of environmental advocacy, dedicated to advancing climate action and promoting sustainability across Africa and its Diaspora in the United States.

The organization’s work focuses primarily on the MRU region, where its efforts are aimed at empowering communities, driving environmental policy, and fostering international partnerships to amplify Africa’s voice on global environmental issues.

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, AEW strives to create lasting change, ensuring that Africa’s environmental challenges are met with the urgency and attention they deserve. By joining AEW’s initiatives, African nations and their representatives can strengthen their global influence, championing the environmental causes that are critical for the future of our planet.