By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Parliamentarians from both sides of the political divide have reaffirmed their collective commitment to tackling climate change and advancing green energy solutions in Sierra Leone, describing climate action as a national responsibility that transcends party politics.
Speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader II of the Opposition, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, commended the organizers of the climate engagement programme, noting that it was an initiative every Sierra Leonean should embrace beyond political lenses. He underscored Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change, recalling how past environmental disasters not only claimed lives but also crippled the national economy.
Hon. Koroma highlighted Parliament’s bipartisan support for the government’s decision to introduce zero tariffs on renewable energy imports, describing it as a clear demonstration of national unity in the pursuit of sustainable energy. He stressed that although Sierra Leone is richly endowed with natural resources suitable for renewable energy, the country has not yet fully exploited these advantages.
He further noted that climate change is a collective problem, pointing out that everyday activities such as the use of generators and vehicles contribute to emissions. He called for collective climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, emphasizing that climate disasters do not discriminate along political or social lines. He urged parliamentarians, young people, leaders, and development partners to support initiatives that strengthen Parliament’s oversight role, particularly during the national budgeting process to ensure adequate funding for climate-related institutions and MDAs.
On behalf of the Leader of Government Business, Deputy Leader II of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emmerson Lamina, assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to climate governance. He praised the Chair of the Climate Parliament and his team for what he described as credible and impactful work, noting that laws and policies enacted by Parliament have helped reduce climate-related risks in the country.
Hon. Lamina emphasized the dangers posed by fossil fuels and the widespread use of generators, which he said are harmful to both human health and the environment. He revealed that Sierra Leone’s renewable energy contribution has grown significantly over the years, with government targeting up to 80 percent renewable energy benefits by 2028. He also called for stricter environmental accountability in the mining sector, proposing that mining companies be compelled to contribute to environmental rehabilitation funds before commencing operations.
Delivering a virtual presentation, Secretary General of Climate Parliament, Dr. Sergio Missana, described Climate Parliament as an international network of legislators championing climate and environmental action across more than 120 countries. He outlined the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance (PCF) Project, which aims to support countries in developing bankable climate projects capable of attracting international financing, particularly from mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Dr. Missana highlighted the “green energy constituencies” model, citing Zambia’s recent presidential solar energy constituency initiative as a successful example of building the energy transition from the grassroots. He explained that such models promote reliable, resilient renewable energy with productive uses in agriculture, small industries, clean cooking, and cooling systems, while also attracting blended public and private financing.
Climate Parliament Coordinator for Sierra Leone, Ruth Showers, provided an overview of the knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives under the PCF Project. She said these include national, regional, and international roundtables, parliamentary green investment dialogues, and global summits aimed at equipping MPs with practical tools to mobilize climate finance and scrutinize green budgets effectively.
In a PowerPoint presentation, UNIDO Climate Finance and Energy Adviser, Ami Dumbuya, outlined ongoing work in Sierra Leone, including the development of a Parliamentary Green Investment Framework. She disclosed that the framework aligns with existing national policies such as the NDC 3.0, Energy Transition Plan, and National Climate Finance Strategy, and aims to help mobilize an estimated US$2.9 billion required between 2025 and 2035 for climate action.
She explained that the framework focuses on strengthening legislation, improving budget oversight, incentivizing private sector participation, and engaging constituencies in addressing local climate challenges such as flooding, energy access, and climate-smart agriculture. She also highlighted plans to develop a pipeline of bankable projects in sectors including renewable energy, transport, agriculture, forestry, waste management, and e-mobility.
Wrapping up the session, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Environment, Hon. Yusuf Macray, emphasized that Members of Parliament are the drivers of the climate initiatives being discussed. He assured stakeholders that Sierra Leone’s unique legal and institutional context had been factored into the project design to ensure sustainability. He reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to engaging constituents, strengthening collaboration with national and international partners, and ensuring that climate projects deliver tangible benefits to communities.
The engagement ended with renewed assurances from both government and opposition lawmakers that Parliament will continue to play a central role in promoting climate laws, policies, and investments to safeguard Sierra Leone’s environment and future generations.
