MONROVIA, May 28, 2024 – Representative Sumo Mulbah, District #3, Montserrado County, and Co-Chairperson of the Youth Legislative Caucus, is set to travel to Bonn, Germany, to participate in the SB-60 conference. This study tour aims to initiate the process of legislating for carbon pricing in Liberia, a crucial step towards addressing climate change and fostering economic growth.
SB-60, or the 60th session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), is a key conference under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It serves as a platform for negotiating and implementing international climate policies, discussing scientific and technological aspects of climate action, and preparing for the annual Conference of the Parties (COP). The session brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to share knowledge and forge agreements on climate strategies.
Liberia’s Relevance to Climate Change
Liberia, with its rich biodiversity and extensive forest cover, plays a significant role in global climate regulation. The country’s forests act as vital carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. However, Liberia is also vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and unpredictable weather patterns, which threaten agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. As a developing nation, Liberia’s contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation are crucial for both its own sustainability and global climate stability.
Carbon pricing is an essential policy tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By assigning a cost to carbon emissions, it creates financial incentives for businesses and individuals to lower their carbon footprints. For Liberia, introducing carbon pricing legislation could have multiple benefits:
- Environmental Protection: Carbon pricing can significantly reduce emissions, helping to preserve Liberia’s forests and biodiversity.
- Economic Growth: The revenue generated from carbon pricing can be reinvested into green technologies, renewable energy projects, and sustainable development initiatives, fostering economic growth and job creation.
- International Funding and Investment: Adopting carbon pricing can enhance Liberia’s eligibility for international climate finance and attract foreign investments aimed at sustainability projects.
Representative Sumo Mulbah emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Legislating for carbon pricing is a critical step for Liberia. It will not only help us combat climate change but also open new economic opportunities for our nation. The SB-60 conference is an excellent opportunity to learn from global best practices and ensure we implement effective and impactful policies.”
Dr. Urey Mulbah, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, also highlighted the significance of carbon pricing, saying, “Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms will be transformative for Liberia. It aligns with our national commitment to the Paris Agreement and will enable us to contribute more robustly to global climate efforts while advancing our economic and development goals. The EPA fully supports this initiative and looks forward to collaborating with the legislature to make it a reality.”
The SB-60 conference will provide Representative Mulbah and his delegation with invaluable insights into the design and implementation of carbon pricing policies. By engaging with international experts and counterparts, they will gather the necessary knowledge and tools to draft effective legislation tailored to Liberia’s unique context.
