Kenema: The Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Community Resilience and Transformation Sierra Leone (CArCRT-SL), Mr. Saffa Andrew Koroma, has called for urgent collective action to address the growing effects of climate change, emphasizing environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Mr. Koroma highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on humans, animals, marine life, and ecosystems worldwide. He noted that human activities-such as destroying forests, rivers, swamps, lakes, and oceans-have significantly contributed to climate-related disasters and environmental degradation.
Mr. Koroma identified industrial pollution, carbon emissions from old vehicles, and other harmful practices as major causes of atmospheric shifts and unstable weather patterns affecting communities globally. He warned that these changes are increasingly leading to excessive heat, storms, flooding, and erratic weather in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The CArCRT-SL CEO recalled that Sierra Leone once enjoyed a healthier environment, particularly in regions like Kenema and the Kambui Hills, known for dense forests and rich vegetation. However, he expressed concern over widespread deforestation and environmental destruction, now driving severe climatic challenges.
Mr. Koroma also stressed the close link between human life and nature, noting that climate change disrupts agricultural calendars, reduces crop yields, and threatens food production. He explained that Smart Climate Agriculture helps farmers understand weather conditions and adopt eco-friendly methods to protect soil fertility and natural resources.
On public health, he revealed that worsening environmental conditions and weak health systems have contributed to the spread of diseases such as Dengue Fever and Lassa Fever. Regarding marine conservation, he strongly condemned the indiscriminate dumping of plastics into rivers, seas, swamps, and oceans, which destroys aquatic habitats, reduces fish stocks, and pollutes vital water bodies. He further warned against destroying mangroves and coastal ecosystems, calling them essential to climate resilience.
Mr. Koroma urged communities, institutions, and stakeholders to support environmental initiatives and work with organizations like CArCRT-SL on sustainable development and resilience programs. He added that technology alone cannot solve climate change; a comprehensive approach involving mitigation and adaptation is required. He advocated for a rapid shift toward renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, resilient healthcare systems, and eco-conscious infrastructure.
Describing the climate crisis as nature's wake-up call, Mr. Koroma reminded citizens that humanity is deeply connected to the environment, and restoration is essential for society's future. He concluded by urging governments, development partners, and citizens to work collectively for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the protection of future generations.