New York, September 26, 2025 – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo, has told world leaders that climate adaptation is not a choice for Liberia but an urgent necessity.

Speaking Wednesday at the Second Edition Global Center on Adaptation High-Level Leaders’ Dialogue held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo said although Liberia contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country faces some of the harshest impacts of climate change.

“Rising seas are destroying our coasts, floods and storms are putting communities and infrastructure at risk, and changing rainfall patterns are affecting our food security,” he stressed.

The EPA boss disclosed that Liberia recently submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), which focuses strongly on adaptation measures. These include coastal defense projects, early warning systems, land restoration, and climate-smart agriculture.

He also highlighted policies for a resilient blue economy and community-led initiatives that empower women, youth, and local leaders.

But he warned that Liberia’s efforts cannot succeed without stronger international support. “Adaptation requires solidarity, innovation, and above all, finance at the scale that matches the urgency of the crisis. We cannot wait for disasters to escalate before acting, we must invest now,” he appealed.

As countries prepare for COP30, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo called on world leaders to move beyond promises and deliver adaptation finance that ensures vulnerable nations like Liberia are not left behind.

“Together, we can turn the tide from vulnerability to resilience and secure a safer, more just future for all,” he maintained.