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The Danger of Air Pollution in Liberia

by | 22-09-2015 08:59


Air pollution is cutting across all spheres in Liberia and has become a grave issue for the future generation. Unlike developing countries, Liberia as a third world country has not embodied strategic environmental regulation policies to curb the increasing rate of pollution. Outdoor air pollution has exposed the people of Liberia to serious environmental and public health deficiencies i.e. respiratory disorders, cancers, etc. 

Liberia is a post-war country with a struggling economy. In the last ten years, we have seen a huge influx of companies into various sectors of the country. Many of these companies operate daily by burning fossil fuels to generate energy. Also, due to the poor state of the economy, many Liberians residing in the rural and urban regions burn a huge amount of coal and oil for their homes on a daily basis. Besides, transportation pollution which releases too many carbon dioxides and other greenhouse gases into the earth?s atmosphere is very crucial when addressing air pollution. Holistically, life is about continuity and to assure human-kind infinite existence on earth, we must live as stewards of the earth to nurture, protect, & preserve the beauty of life (nature). Today in Liberia and the world over, humans have become ?great users? of the earth. We depend on too much of modern civilization until we have abandoned needed sustainable practices. 

The massive expulsion of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from automobiles, small power-generating engines, and other sources is posing serious threats and health hazards to the entire population. One of the most dangerous practices that I have noticed in recent times is the burning of medical wastes in local communities. This is by far the most critical concern that needs immediate attention. Inspite of all these problems, there has been limited intervention and regulatory mechanism established by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia to come to grips with the issue of air pollution and other environmental challenges. 

As a creative thinker, I would suggest that it is imperative for the EPA as a regulatory arm of the Government of Liberia to consider raising awareness of air pollution, especially at local levels, enhance interaction and communication between young science geeks and state actors, natural and social sciences, economics, and industrial product development to facilitate and encourage innovative sustainable solutions, bring policy-makers, funders, academics, business, and industry to participate together to fight actions that creates air pollution and unsustainable way of life. Moreover, the need to establish an act (Environmental Sin Tax) that will bring to book and charge individuals, businesses, and institutions involved in the practice of unhealthy environmental habits will be keen on this agenda of environmental safety. 

In conclusion, what is lacking in Liberia is the visionary thinking approach and sensitive regulatory measures that will closely monitor and conduct the environmental sector to further strengthen, improve, and promote healthy lifestyles. The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and other relevant institutions i.e. United Nations Environmental Protection (UNEP), United Nations Education, Science, & Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Sustainable Development Institute (SDI), etc must enforce educative programs for both school-going and out-of-school (school dropout) kids to mentor and support them to implement projects like annual tree planting festivity, encourage classroom work on inventions, and co-create other solutions to improve the climate. This will engage young science geeks, especially high school graduates in solving environmental problems, thus a new generation with revolutionary resolutions, long-term persistence, global influence, and participation. Let's begin now#Step Up & Out Campaign