Partial views of participants at the 2026 World Environment Day and University of Liberia’s Debate Team members receive certificate and trophy at the occasion
Pushes for Climate Action
By Esau J. Farr
SANNIQUELLIE CITY, Nimba County – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently joined other countries the world over to celebrate World Environment Day (WED). The ceremony took place at the Sanniquellie Administrative Building in Nimba County.
June five (5) each year is celebrated around the world as World Environment Day which started in 1973. This year, being the 53rd Anniversary of the event was held under the global theme “Climate Action” with a national slogan, “Clean Air, Good Health.”
The event brought together major stakeholders in the environmental and natural resources sectors of Liberia and partners of the agency.
Delivering his World Environment Day statement, EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo emphasized the danger and effects of air pollution on the environment.e
“Air pollution is often invisible, but its impacts are real,” said Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo. “Smoke from open burning, vehicle emissions, generators, charcoal production, dust, and unsafe handling of fuel and gas affect public health, especially among vulnerable people,” the EPA boss added.
He used the occasion and called for practical and intentional actions to be taken by all if climate action must be achieved. The Executive Director of the EPA informed the public that the government of Liberia, through the EPA, has developed Air Quality and Liquefied (watery) Petroleum Gas (LPG) Regulations.The regulations are guides to clean environment for healthier life for all citizens and as such, all must take actions to safeguard it at all times.
Serving as keynote speaker of the day, veteran Liberian journalist, now human rights advocate, John Steward stressed the need for both Liberians and foreign nationals to help clean their environment.
“We need action to combat and reduce plastic waste because it damages the environment,” said Steward.
“If the government of Liberia can ban the use of plastic, we will be taking a step to ending plastic waste in Liberia,” Steward added.
He feared the continued use of plastic in rural counties will reduce the fertility of soil and reduce agricultural products.
Air pollution
Generally, air pollution affects nearly the entire global population, with millions exposed to harmful levels of particulate matter and other pollutants which contributeto significant health risks and deaths.
Approximately, 99% of the world’s population is exposed to air pollution levels that exceed WHO guidelines, putting people at increased risk for diseases, according to the World Health Organization.
A 2026 WHO’s report shows that Liberia has good air quality and poses little or no health risk. This means that the West African nation is better positioned, but care must be taken to make it a safe area for all.
Prior to the official celebrations of the day in Nimba, inter-school quizzing and inter-university debate competitions were held as part of awareness on clean environment.
The Levi T. Martin Baptist High School in Nimba was crowned as the winner of the inter-high school quizzing competition while the University of Liberia took the first place of the inter-university debate tournament.
The student community appreciated the EPA for the opportunity to form part of this year’s celebrations and promised to continue to carry out more awareness on cleaning the environment.
Making separate remarks at the program, Nimba County Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono and Nimba Electoral District #2 Representative, Nyan Flomo thanked the EPA for the selection of their county for this year’s celebrations of the event.
They stressed that the selection of Nimba as the host county for the celebrations was not a mistake since it is Liberia’s second most populated county and hosts thecountry’s biggest iron ore mining company.
Honouring of past Executive Directors of the EPA
During the program, former executive directors of the EPA were certificated, gowned and recognized for their contributions to the growth and development of the agency.
Among them were Dr. Foday Kromah, Thomas Romeo Quioh (now senator), Jerome Nyenkan and Nathaniel Blama.
The men served the agency during its formative stage and troubling times of the agency that has now been internationally recognized.
