As the world’s leaders, policymakers, and activists gather in Belém, Brazil for COP30, we at SHARP are reflecting on our role in tackling the climate crisis. The first two days are dedicated to laying the groundwork for climate readiness and resilience. This theme resonates deeply with the core mission of SHARP in Sierra Leone.
At SHARP, we know that for communities like ours, climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s a daily reality. Sierra Leone, despite contributing a mere 0.01% to global emissions, ranks an alarming 181 out of 182 countries in climate vulnerability. This stark reality means that Sierra Leone faces disproportionate impacts from a crisis its population did not create. With 70% of Sierra Leoneans living on the coast at risk of displacement and yearly flooding devastating communities, adaptation is not just a policy goal – it is a matter of survival and sustainable development.
Our mission, born from the resilient spirit of our founder Ibrahim Kamara, is to eliminate poverty and socio-economic barriers caused by inequality and climate vulnerability in Sierra Leone. Every program we run is designed to build the foundational resilience that COP30 is discussing on a global scale.
Our commitment to Education involves not just providing quality schooling for 312 students annually, but strategically building schools outside flood zones. This isn’t just about avoiding damage; it’s about ensuring uninterrupted learning and protecting the future generation from the immediate and long-term disruptions of climate-induced disasters.
The conference theme highlights resilience across sectors, and none is more critical in Sierra Leone than agriculture. With projections indicating a 30% drop in crop yields by 2050 due to climate change, hunger is a constant threat. SHARP’s Agriculture program empowers 89 farmers with sustainable training and vital resources like seed and tool loans. We focus on climate-resilient agriculture, helping communities adapt their practices to erratic weather patterns, maintain food security, and secure their livelihoods against environmental shocks.
When floods strike, communities need immediate protection and support. Our Disaster Relief program provides emergency equipment and essential clothing to 100 households in their time of need. This rapid response is a critical component of adaptation, minimizing loss, preventing further suffering, and allowing families to begin their journey towards recovery.
As the global community deliberates on pathways for climate readiness, we urge leaders to remember the faces behind the statistics – the children, farmers, and families in places like Sierra Leone who are already living on the frontlines of climate change. Their resilience, built through practical, impactful programs like SHARP’s, must be at the heart of every decision made in Belém.
Join our mission. Together, we can transform lives by building a climate-ready and resilient Sierra Leone.